The Power of Family Support in Sports: Fostering Success and Well-being

In the world of sports, sportsmen and women often draw strength from various sources: their determination, their coaches, their teammates, and one of the most significant sources of support—family. I have been fortunate enough to have had family support throughout my life, whether it be in netball, lacrosse, rowing, football, rugby, half marathons or most recently paragliding.

I believe it is a positive force that goes beyond just cheering from the sidelines. I believe it plays a pivotal role in a sport person’s success and overall well-being, contributing to their physical, mental, and emotional growth. From instilling values to providing unwavering encouragement, the impact of family support has undeniably helped me to achieve all I have to date.

One of the key ways I believe family support contributes to sporting success is through the development of strong values and work ethic. From an early age, family members can teach the importance of discipline, perseverance, and commitment. Through their guidance and example, family can show that success in sports, much like in life, requires dedication and hard work. These values become the foundation upon which sportsmen and women build their sporting careers, helping them push through challenges and setbacks.

Beyond values, family support significantly affects mental and emotional well-being. The pressure to perform in sports can be intense, leading to stress and anxiety. Sometimes coaches have said to me that updating my family or speaking to my family during competition events is a distraction. However, for me this is certainly not the case. In such stressful moments, knowing that there's a loving and supportive family to fall back on provides a sense of security and relief. A reassuring word from either parent or one of my sibling's motivating pep talk can help me overcome self-doubt and regain confidence at crucial moments in a competition. Moreover, family members can act as a sounding board for a sport person’s concerns, offering valuable perspective and guidance or sometimes just a chance to offload the frustration of a round or heat, that didn’t quite go to plan, and to allow a clear focus on the next round or heat. The unwavering encouragement from family members can serve as a powerful driving force. Ever since I was at school my Mum’s final words to me before a race, heat, round, match or competition have always been ‘Go for it kidda!’ I may now be 46 but she still says those words and they still provide the much needed confidence boost to eliminate any self doubt that may be creeping in.

A family’s presence at events, enthusiastic cheers, heartfelt words or a reassuring WhatsApp message when overseas can all fuel the motivation to excel. Knowing that achievements are celebrated and acknowledged by loved ones creates a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. Even my Mum and Dad waving the GB flag waving in the arrivals hall at the airport after an international competition, provides a celebration and acknowledgement of what has been achieved!

Furthermore, family support extends beyond the sport person’s immediate success. In the face of defeats, family members offer a safety net of emotional support. They remind them that setbacks are a natural part of any journey and that they are loved irrespective of the outcome. This perspective helps build resilience and develop a healthy attitude toward defeats and disappointments - a crucial life skill that goes beyond the sports arena.The impact of family support becomes even more pronounced during critical junctures of a sporting career. Decisions about pursuing a particular sport professionally or handling injuries can be overwhelming. In such moments, family members provide a steady anchor, helping sportsmen and women make informed decisions that align with their long-term well-being which helps a sports person to prioritise their health and well being above all else.

In conclusion, I believe family support in sports is a positive force that fosters success and overall well-being. By instilling values, providing encouragement, offering emotional support, and guiding through decisions, family members play an indispensable role in a sporting journey. From teaching the importance of hard work to helping navigate challenges, the impact of family support extends far beyond the confines of the sports arena. As we all continue to strive for success the unwavering family support acts as a powerful source of strength and motivation.

In the upcoming Paragliding Accuracy World Championships in Bulgaria my family will be supporting remotely via WhatsApp but the communication will be frequent, videos will be sent and those much needed words will light up my phone - ‘Go for it kidda’!