Mansfield Town Academy is pleased to launch The Stags Society – a structured mentoring program designed to foster a positive culture and instil important values and skills in young football players.
Foundation phase lead Jack Hawkins told www.mansfieldtown.net: “The Stags Society is a professional mentoring program that goes beyond football training.
“It aims to shape individuals who not only excel on the pitch but also exhibit positive values, leadership skills, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
“This holistic approach can contribute to the overall success of the Mansfield Town Academy.”
About The Stags’ Society:
- Mentoring Across Age Groups:The program spans across different age groups within the academy, from U9 to U19s. This cross-generational approach enables older players to mentor younger ones, promoting peer-to-peer support and a sense of community within the academy.
- Alignment with Core Values: The Stags Society is aligned with the core values of the academy, including respect, high standards, and a positive attitude. This ensures that the mentoring program contributes to the overall culture and identity of the academy.
- Comprehensive Competencies: The mentoring teams focus on a comprehensive list of social competencies, such as accountability, player ownership, and independence. These competencies go beyond just football skills and aim to develop well-rounded individuals.
- U19 Scholar Oversight:Having an U19 scholar oversee each mentoring team adds a layer of leadership and responsibility to the program. This older figure can guide and support the younger players in their development. The Foundation Phase (U9-U11's) players have a separate mentoring team split into three groups with an U11 leading the mentoring team.
- Positive Interaction: The program fosters positive interaction between older and younger academy players. This interaction can be incredibly valuable as it allows younger players to learn from the experiences and wisdom of their older peers.
- Holistic Development: The program's focus on enhancing self-esteem, self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and concentration highlights its commitment to holistic player development, both on and off the field.
- Goal-Oriented Mentoring:The aim of the program is to equip individuals with the skills and qualities needed to mentor others effectively. This goal-oriented approach ensures that participants are not only learning but also applying their knowledge to support others in achieving specific goals.
- Research-Based Benefits:The program is based on research that suggests mentoring can have numerous benefits for young people, including personal growth and skill development.
