For children, sport should primarily be seen as a healthy way of growing up.

The best way for children to reach their full potential is through play. Parents often burden their children by setting up expectations that can be harmful and unrealistic.

Path of a Champion is a uniquely designed program aimed at developing parents’ competencies in supporting their children in sports. The core belief of this program is that any child is already a champion, no matter what he or she decides to pursue later in life.

Every parent wants what is best for their child, but we often fail to understand and help our children.

WHERE DO WE GET IT WRONG?

  • MOTIVE

    Research has shown that in less economically developed countries, including Serbia, the most common motive of parents when enrolling children in sports, is the financial benefit

  • EXPECTATIONS

    Usually, expectations are based on a belief that if a child is a successful athlete, he/she will solve family existential problems, fulfilling parents dreams and ambitions at the expense of their own.

  • METHODS

    When the motive is negative and expectations are unadjusted, the methods of upbringing are also negative. Most often, parents use physical and verbal aggression, all with the aim of strengthening the child.

  • CONSEQUENCES

    The long-term consequences of this kind of relationship can often be a lack of self-confidence, social maladaptation, as well as disturbed family relations, which are the bases for the healthy development of a child.

THIS PROGRAM WILL HELP

PARENTS

  • Recognize the needs of their children and encourage them to be physically active, in accordance with their development and age.

  • Encourage their children to play sports, using positive and effective methods, instead of verbal or physical aggression.

  • Comprehend themselves and their needs better, related to encouraging their child to play sports.

CHILDREN

  • Develop self-confidence

  • Regulate self-discipline

  • Improve decision-making abilities

  • Acquire independence, social and communication skill

  • Obtain a positive attitude towards work habits and changes in life

WHY WE DESIGNED THIS PROGRAM

This is a noteworthy topic that has not been given enough attention, which is why we ensured that we bring renowned athletes and professionals to share their knowledge and expertise.

OUR REGULAR PANELISTS INCLUDE

  • Dr. Miljan Grbovic

    Olympics, World and European championships medalist in basketball, handball, volleyball, water polo, and gymnastics with five different national teams; over 40 years of university experience and professional development at most prestigious educational programs in the world.

  • 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

SEE THE PHOTOS FROM THE PROGRAM’S PANELS AND WORKSHOPS

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER

The program is realized through a series of workshops and panels, on and off-line, with former world-class athletes, sports workers, and parents of athletes.

Specialized thematic workshops include working with groups of up to 20 parents. By analyzing the materials, exchanging ideas and experiences, and giving insights to a base of research and experts knowledge through interactive learning methods and video content, parents would be offered different self-regulation techniques.

Path of a Champion is created, led, and moderated by Ana Jovanovic, a former Top 250 WTA professional, sports psychology geek, 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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