Using Veteran Players as Mentors

 

A team culture that emphasizes inclusion, connection, collaboration, and support can create a positive, developmental sport experience for all players. The most effective teams are those in which team members embrace, contribute to, and own the team’s culture. A mentor program empowers team veterans, creates opportunities for stronger relationships among players, and can help prevent issues that erode team chemistry such as cliques, individual agendas, and status gaps based on talent. Follow the tips below to establish an effective mentor program on your team:

1. Get Veteran Players on Board

• Carefully select players that would make sense in a mentorship role – the best mentors are those who both embrace and embody the team culture regardless of talent level.
  • Look for players who
    • Embrace your coaching philosophy and tactical system
    • Are mindful and supportive of their teammates
    • Display integrity and treat others with dignity
    • Consistently put in high effort
    • Focus on growth and development
• Be open about the criteria for becoming a mentor – so those who are not selected have a goal to work on for the following year. Conduct one-on-one conversations with any player that needs an explanation and give them specific areas to improve upon.

2. Develop a Set of Expectations

• Having a clear and simple set of guidelines for what you expect mentors to do is essential. Here are some examples:
  • Check-in with your mentee; listen to understand their perspective
  • Provide positive encouragement to your mentee
  • “Pick up” a mentee when they seem down or discouraged
  • Explain what is expected of them in practice
  • Give them tips about what to expect before big competitions
  • Connect with them about subjects beyond just sports – get to know who they are and what they like
• Make it clear to mentors that they can always come to you if something comes up with their mentee that they don’t know how to handle. 

3. Assign a Mentor to Each Younger Player

• Make sure that each younger player has the opportunity to connect with a mentor – this may mean having one mentor double up on mentees.
• Stress to mentors their role is to help support the mentee so the team can be successful – especially if a mentee ends up with a starting role over more veteran players. Regardless of playing time, mentors are there to provide support.