Twenty-one former players complete FIBA Players' Mentorship Program

MIES (Switzerland) - Twenty-one former players have completed the FIBA Players' Mentorship Program 2022, which launched one year ago.

The program is developed for National Federations and is set up to train Player Mentors that can support all youth elite players in that country.

Delivered in partnership with Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), those who complete the program receive the Athlete Lifestyle Mentor Certificates. While 21 ex-players already have their mentor licenses, another 23 are still enrolled and will finish in the coming months.

Those that have obtained their licenses are excited about putting them to good use. Among them is former Lithuania international Lina Brazdeikyte.

"For more than 10 years, I've been working with women's youth teams," she said. "My desire is to help players at their crossroads. Mentors can become an effective and reliable tool and help guide young players and offer counsel when needed."

Lina Brazdeikyte at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2006

There are various objectives to the program.

One is to help players achieve their highest level on the court while another is to increase the education among professional basketball players so they can have a smoother transition to working careers after they walk off the hardwood as professionals for the last time.

"This course will be really helpful for my future after retiring from basketball," said Italy international Matina Bestagno. "I've learned a lot about my role as a mentor and how to approach younger athletes."  

Matina Bestagno playing with the Italian national team 

A key aim of the program is to improve the players' wellbeing by teaching them how to handle off-court distractions. Another important element is to empower National Federations and help them create bonds with their players. There is also a hope that the program will lead to a decrease in those that stop playing at a young age, especially young women.

The program effectively makes sure that Players' Mentors are equipped to help their National Federations and have a positive impact on player careers.

Candidates receive a Certificate of Achievement after successfully finishing the program, which is divided into three parts. These parts include the Athlete Lifestyle Mentor Certificate which is co-delivered by TASS and FIBA, the FIBA Off-Court Guide which is also delivered by FIBA, and an individual assignment which is undertaken by the Players Mentor and supported by FIBA.

Great Britain Olympian Kieron Achara said of the program: "I have learned so much about the different issues athletes can face.

"I really enjoyed engaging with younger athletes and putting my learning into practice."

FIBA are to organize three more courses in 2022, beginning in October. All players interested in taking part in the program are invited to contact their National Federations before September 3. 

The FIBA Players' Mentorship Program is part of FIBA's strategic priority to Empower National Federations and help increase their strength and capacity.

FIBA