ICOACHKIDS Champion: Ksavera Kochanova
About
Ksavera Kochanova has been a part of the ICOACHGIRLS programme delivered in Lithuania, in partnership with the Lithuanian Sports University. Her work has inspired more girls to start and stay in sport. Austė is part of the ICOACHKIDS Champions Class of 2025
How did I get into coaching children and young people?
Previously, I had minimal experience coaching children, as I would occasionally fill in for my coach. However, everything changed after this project – I started working with children officially at a kids' sports studio, and I’m still working there now
Why am I passionate about putting kids first in sport?
First of all, because I work as a children's birthday party entertainer – this job gave me my first love for working with kids. And according to my studies, I’m training to become a coach. So children and sports are both very close to me. I don’t want to work with adults – maybe because I’ve gotten used to working with kids, or maybe just because it’s more fun with them!
Austė’s Top Tips for Youth Sport Coaches:
Having a positive attitude and lots of energy, because kids really love emotions.
It’s important to pay attention to their mood – if I see that they’re in a bad mood or very tired when they come to training, I give them something fun to do, like team games or other activities that lift their spirits.
Have the coach sometimes play with them or races with them. It makes the kids feel like the coach can also be fun and relatable.
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