For children, sport should be, above all, a joyful and healthy path to growing up.

The best way for children to grow and thrive is through play. But sometimes, without even realizing it, parents place expectations on their children that can feel overwhelming or limiting. Letting kids explore and enjoy the journey helps them reach their full potential in a way that feels natural and fulfilling.

Path of a Champion is a thoughtfully designed program that helps parents support their children’s journey in sports with confidence and care At its heart is the belief that every child is already a champion — regardless of the path they choose to follow in life.

Every parent wants the best for their child, but sometimes, despite our love and good intentions, we struggle to truly understand and support them in the way they need.

WHERE DO WE GO WRONG?

  • MOTIVE

    Research shows that in less economically developed countries, including Serbia, many parents see sports as an opportunity to secure a better future for their children, often focusing on the potential financial benefits.

  • EXPECTATIONS

    Expectations often come from the belief that a child’s success in sports will secure the family’s future, helping them overcome financial struggles. In the process, a child may end up carrying the weight of their parents' dreams and ambitions, sometimes at the cost of their own.

  • METHODS

    When expectations are unrealistic and driven by the wrong motives, parenting approaches can become harsh. In an effort to toughen their child, parents may sometimes resort to verbal or even physical aggression, unaware of the emotional toll it takes.

  • CONSEQUENCES

    The long-term consequences of this kind of parenting can include low self-confidence, difficulties in social interactions, and strained family relationships—factors that are essential for a child’s healthy development.

THIS PROGRAM HELPS

PARENTS

  • Recognize their children's needs and inspire them to engage in physical activity that aligns with their developmental stage and age

  • Encourage their children to participate in sports using positive and effective methods, fostering a supportive environment instead of resorting to verbal or physical aggression

  • Comprehend themselves and their needs when it comes to supporting their child’s involvement in sports

CHILDREN

  • Develop self-confidence

  • Regulate self-discipline

  • Improve decision-making abilities

  • Acquire independence, social and communication skills

  • Cultivate a positive attitude towards work habits and embrace changes in life

WHY WE DESIGNED THIS PROGRAM

This is an important topic that often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves, which is why we’ve made it a priority to bring in renowned athletes and experts to share their valuable knowledge and insights.

OUR AMBASSADORS ARE...

  • Dr. Miljan Grbovic

    Olympic, World, and European medalist in basketball, handball, volleyball, water polo, and gymnastics with five national teams; over 40 years of university and professional development experience at the world’s top educational programs.

  • Dejan Savic

    Coach of Serbia national water polo team; most decorated coach of Serbian water polo; winner of 4 Olympic medals; World and European champion, European club champion; over 13 trophies across five countries, both as a player and as a coach”

  • Andrea Lekic

    IHF 2013 World Player of the Year; captained Serbia to a silver medal at World Women’s Handball Championship; European club champion in Slovenia, Hungary, and North Macedonia; MVP of most prestigious competitions on numerous occasions, founded a handball academy for children in 2013.

  • Srdjan Djokovic

    Former professional skier and a dedicated father in shaping the career of the world’s best tennis player Novak Djokovic.

  • Prof. Dr. Ljubica Bačanac

    An undisputed expert in the field of sports psychology, prof. dr. Ljubica Bacanac is the author of The Handbook for Parents of Young Athletes and a leading mentor on the Path of a Champion program.

OUR RESULTS

Children supported

EXPLORE THE PHOTOS FROM THE PROGRAM’S INSIGHTFUL PANELS AND ENGAGING WORKSHOPS.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER

The program is delivered through a series of workshops and panels, both online and offline, featuring former world-class athletes, sports professionals, and parents of athletes.

Specialized thematic workshops involve working with groups of up to 20 parents. hrough analyzing materials, exchanging ideas and experiences, and gaining insights from a foundation of research and expert knowledge via interactive learning methods and video content, parents will be introduced to various self-regulation techniques.

Path of a Champion is created, led, and moderated by Ana Jovanovic, a former Top 250 WTA professional, sports psychology enthusiast, and NDF Program Manager.

OUR PARTNERS

Path of a Champion is supported by two like-minded organizations who care about helping children – Lacoste Foundation and UEFA Foundation for Children.

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