Empowering Practitioners: The Transformative Influence of Sponsorship in Mentorship
Two months into the second cohort of our group mentorship programs in Strength and Conditioning (S&C) and Soft Skills, we are witnessing the profound impact of sponsorship on the professional development of practitioners. VALD, TeamBuildr and HYTRO each collectively sponsor 6 practitioners in the current programmes. This support enables individuals to access education and personal growth opportunities that may have otherwise been beyond their reach. In this blog, we will share the significant benefits that practitioners like Rachel Thomson, Thomas McAuliffe, and Bryan Gardener have experienced through sponsorship for mentorship programs.
Rachel Thomson's Journey:
Rachel Thomson, a Physical Performance Coach with expertise in women's football, joined the S&C mentorship program with a clear goal in mind. When asked “Why mentorship?”, she stated:
“I want to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in an environment where I can absorb new knowledge applicable to my field. Being part of a group mentorship interests me because I value diverse perspectives and differing opinions to enhance my learning experience."
Thomas McAuliffe's Ascent:
Thomas McAuliffe, a student intern gaining experience with Kilmarnock FC Youth Academy alongside his studies, is part of the Soft Skills Mentorship. He faced a common challenge among students – affordability for personal development beyond their university degrees, and otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford this support at this stage of his career. He commended Teambuildr, HYTO, and VALD for providing outstanding opportunities to future practitioners. When asked about his reason for applying for support, Thomas explained:
"As I gained industry experience, I realised that much of my theoretical knowledge from university did not apply in real-world scenarios, leading to self-doubt. This mentorship opportunity was the solution I needed, offering a support network to consolidate my learning and enhance my practice."
Bryan Gardener's Quest:
Bryan Gardener, a Physical Therapist from the United States, also joined the Soft Skills mentorship program with a specific aim. He sought mentorship to improve his soft skills, essential for entering the workforce and effective communication with athletes and fellow professionals. Bryan shared,
"This mentorship is my gateway to growth and navigating the development of soft skills. It will help me minimize mistakes in communication and enhances my daily interactions with athletes and colleagues."
Now, as we are set to enter the 3rd month of the mentorship programmes, we reflected with Thomas, Bryan and Rachel to look back at their journey so far, and the benefits gained by being part of the journey with over 50 other practitioners across both programmes.
How Have the First 2 Months Gone For You?
“Very well. I’ve engaged with all the bonus content and monthly sessions, and I am truly grateful to the sponsoring companies for this opportunity." - Rachel
"The first 2 months have been great. The content presented, along with bonus materials, has helped me with dealing with real-world situations that I wasn’t otherwise prepared for." - Thomas
“These two months have been filled with valuable insights and the ability to connect with unique individuals. This mentorship has given me tools to boost my confidence, especially during interviews." - Bryan
What Have You Enjoyed The Most, and What Has Surprised You About The Programme?
"I've enjoyed learning how to apply theoretical knowledge more thoroughly. The program is insightful and purpose-driven." - Rachel
"Interacting with fellow practitioners in the breakout rooms has been incredibly beneficial. The program's attention to detail has been impressive, addressing areas I didn't know needed improvement." - Thomas
“The most surprising element is how open everyone is to growth. This opportunity has prepared me for significant interviews and has boosted my confidence." - Bryan
A Triumph for Practitioners:
As emerging practitioners spend time with mentors from Collaborate Sports, one of the most rewarding benefits is witnessing practitioners achieve new heights, like achieving new roles or gaining promotion. It is important to celebrate their success and acknowledge the role that sponsorship has played in their achievements. Bryan, for example, secured a position with an international 7s team in the last few weeks, a significant accomplishment that he attributes in part to the support of these sponsorships.
So in summary, the transformative influence of sponsorship in mentorship programs cannot be underestimated. It opens doors to personal and professional growth, making roles in sports more accessible by enhancing a practitioner’s effectiveness. As we continue to witness the positive impact of sponsorship on individuals like Rachel, Thomas, and Bryan, it's evident that investing in mentorship programs is an investment in the future of high performance.
This isn’t always possible for everyone, so thank you again to VALD, TeamBuildr and HYTRO for setting the standards for providing sponsored opportunities like these for aspiring practitioners.
If you’d like to know more about these amazing companies, click on the logos to head to their websites!
