In our concept, talents are in the focal point and we start with the athletes at all times. A good, healthy and professional talent support and development system embraces the concept of ‘start from the athlete’ approach. This applies to all stakeholders, since their social, personal and professional competences are all involved in the development of the player. Understanding the character and personality as well as the needs of the athlete is crucial. Additionally, despite the high demands of sport, the general well being and safety of the players must remain in the focal point.

We maintain that despite the nature of professional sport focusing on performance, the well-being and health – mental and physical – of the athletes should remain the number one priority. Healthy children in a healthy environment with healthy relationships have the chance to succeed in sport and table tennis.

Professional support means that there is a clear clarity of the roles and responsibilities around a talent. All stakeholders should aim to work in a transparent, reliable and honest way, providing the necessary support for the athlete. It also means to act with integrity at all times. From a very young age, the logistical challenges, obstacles with coordinating the daily, monthly, yearly plan and schedule of the talents, and communication with various stakeholders can be overwhelming for the families who have full responsibility for their children. The families are dealing with all the people and organisations around the talent, therefore the parents require the necessary professional approach from everyone, noting the level of effort and sacrifice of the athletes.

It is also important to note, that due to the possible quick development and improvement of a player, circumstances can change from one day to another. Hence why families need to get support and encouragement to make the right choices and decisions for their children. The compass Foundation puts the support of the families as a core responsibility and is always on stand-by for discussions and advice for them.

As part of our compass system, we are certain that talents grow and develop the best in a professional environment with professional support. This also means that experts and expertise from various other fields such as nutrition, medical, psychological, fitness etc. must be involved at every step of the way, in order to protect the young talent and educate them for future steps and challenges. 

The communication and the coordination between the players’ stakeholders are often emphasised as key elements to create a well-functioning environment around the talent. In terms of communication, we believe in the importance of trusting and honest relationships in the best interest of the players. We are convinced that all stakeholders must put aside their own interests and find solutions for the player and coordinate activities with the most flexibility possible. To embrace this approach requires courage from everyone involved to create the necessary trusting relationships.

Young players as young human beings are often sensitive to the reactions and expectations of the environment they are surrounded by. They can sense safety, trust and empathy, but in stressful circumstances can also feel unsafe and unwell. This is why it is vitally important to provide the necessary information for the players while dealing with ‘adult’ topics without the talents’ involvement. To master such an approach, people must create good and trustworthy relationships.

One of the most important field talent development is the career pathway and the strategy, planning of the player’s way in sport. It can be overwhelming and challenging for families and coaches to deal with the daily issues and maintain the long-term outlook. It can often be controversial as the schedules of the players can be busy at a young age already. A good strategy and career pathway always considers the well-being and health of the player as well as offers opportunities for dual career road. To have a strategy and plan for a talent requires a skillset and sometimes experience that the parents and personal coaches might lack, but where compass excels. 

We provide greatly valued support and help in this regard, having vast experience and knowledge at our disposal, gained throughout the last decades. The foundation’s leadership and coaches  have helped several players move from young talent to world elite athletes. There are many important decisions to take during the years of the young athlete so we help families and coaches to make the right decisions and choices with a different view and perspective.

Good and professional strategy and planning for the player’s career pathway are essential to succeed. Principles, key values and understanding the needs of the player are crucial to be able to make hard choices. Nowadays, with extensive tournaments nationally and internationally, the calendar of a talent can be full already at the age of 9 or 10. However, there is still a need for rest, holidays, social interactions and other non-sport related activities. Moreover, even more serious questions can arise such as: which club, academy, national centre should the athlete join and in some cases, even longer spells abroad can be expected. Families are often challenged financially, mobility wise during the training years.