FDC Vista begins cooperation with sports psychologist Maria Rybalchenko.

Hello Maria! Please tell us about your experience in football?

I have been associated with football for a little over ten years, I am from Donetsk and worked for FC Shakhtar for 9 years, and since 2022 at FC Krasnodar. I also teach at the RFU Academy for coaches who receive a UEFA license.

Tell me, what problems does a sports psychologist solve in a team?

A team psychologist is essentially a mental training coach; this is as much a part of football as technical or tactical training.

 Mental preparation is the systematic and consistent practice of developing skills that help a player reach their potential and achieve their highest goals.

What qualities are important to develop in players?

First of all, it is confidence, the ability to cope with stressful situations, to manage one’s state before the game, during and after the match. This is a skill of concentration and switching attention, which helps to see the field and switch from the attacking phase to the defensive, for example.

Fear of mistakes on the field, motivation, ability to withstand competition, communicate with the coach and team are also the tasks of a sports psychologist.

Tell us what work is planned at FDC «Vista»?

We plan to work not only with the players of the main team, but also with coaches and students of the Vista Junior children's football academy.

Supporting and training trainers in psychological and pedagogical methods of working with children of the new generation is one of the important tasks that I face.

By working with a sports psychologist, children will be able to develop psychological stability, concentration, motivation and self-confidence. After all, these skills not only improve their athletic performance, but also help them in school and in everyday life.

Children learn to manage their emotions, overcome stress, and improve communication with partners and coaches. These are all very important and useful skills for life in general.

For parents whose children play sports, what is important to understand about the psychological aspects of development?

Parents should understand that sports success depends not only on physical fitness, but also on the psychological state of the child. And if the Academy pays attention to this, that’s great. This will help children gain inner stability and confidence in order to further develop their abilities.  

And I would also like to tell parents that it is important to support their children without imposing your expectations; discuss with them their emotions and state after training and competitions; reward their efforts, regardless of the results. And, of course, trust professionals, especially coaches, to help children reach their maximum potential.