MIES (Switzerland) - A promising new initiative is underway with the official launch of the FIBA Players' Mentorship Program.

Guided by its Players' Commission, FIBA wants to provide support for players not only on the court but off of it as well, and this program will do just that. The primary objective is to train at least one Players' Mentor per National Federation who will help support all elite youth players in that country. FIBA wants all players to be able to compete at their highest level, enhance their health and well-being and provide meaningful educational opportunities. The FIBA Players' Mentorship Program is a significant step in achieving these endeavors. 

Dirk Nowitzki, FIBA Players' Commission Chairman

All 213 National Federation members are invited to nominate a former female and male representative to enroll in the FIBA Players' Mentorship Program, which will be delivered online.

The FIBA Players' Mentorship Program is divided into three sections - Athlete Lifestyle Mentor Certificate, FIBA Off-Court Guide and an individual assignment with the added support of the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).

Those taking part in this new initiative will work towards receiving the Athlete Lifestyle Mentor Certificate, which consists of a three-day online course delivered by TASS. TASS is an organization specializing in providing lifestyle support to athletes and works in partnership with a network of academic institutions and have been working alongside FIBA on the TIME- OUT program. There will be approximately five hours of class instruction per day as part of the certificate.

Participants will also have access to the FIBA Off-Court Guide, a digital platform where they will be guided through sections on life skills, entourage, career, media, integrity, and finance. An individual assignment is also to be written detailing the educational opportunities for young elite players in their country as the final requirement of the program. 

After completing the above three parts, participants will be recognized as Players' Mentors. 

"The FIBA Players' Mentorship Program is a clear demonstration of how FIBA is endeavouring to help players both on and off the court, and also confirms the fact that FIBA leans heavily on the experience and advice of our Players' Commission," said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis. "I would strongly encourage all National Federations to take part in this program and submit candidates to become Players' Mentors."

Emma Vickers, TASS National Lead for Research commented: "TASS are delighted to have been asked by FIBA to deliver this training course to upskill National Federations in athlete lifestyle support. Using a combination of theory based and practical sessions, the course will provide mentors with the skills and knowledge to support young athletes to optimize their sport, education, and life potential."

Dirk Nowitzki, FIBA and NBA legend, who serves as the Players' Commission Chairman said: "This is a program that everyone on the Players' Commission is excited about because these mentors can and will make a positive difference with young elite players and also within their federation."

Jenni Screen, FIBA Players' Commission Deputy Chairwoman

Jenni Screen, Olympic and World Cup medallist and the Players' Commission Deputy Chairwoman, said: "It's really important that young players, especially women, continue to play basketball and reach their maximum potential, and this program will assist in that regard. Mentors will be able to provide support for younger players to help them strike the right balance between their sports careers and their educational needs."

FIBA