Discussion with the sports industry: becoming a modern coach and top professional

On 8 October, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) hosted a discussion on the training of sports professionals and future trends. The discussion, which was attended by 25 participants, including sport industry experts, representatives from RSU and the RSU Latvian Academy of Sports Education (LASE), looked into sports science study programmes and considered proposals for how they could be improved and developed to provide quality study opportunities for future sports specialists in the near future.

The main objective of the discussion was to evaluate the current educational programmes for sports specialists at RSU LASE and to gather expert recommendations for the development of new, modern study programmes that would meet the requirements of the sports labour market and technological innovations.

Link between academic education and labour market in sports

RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons emphasised the need to strengthen the link between sports education and labour market needs, highlighting sports science as an interdisciplinary field where it is essential to integrate innovative digital technologies in sports and healthcare, which are vital for training internationally competitive sports professionals. He also expressed the need to ensure the international accessibility of study programmes for the development of the sport sector.

In order to attract new professionals, it is necessary to increase the salaries of those working in the sector, especially in the field of sports coaching, and to create a motivating environment for the profession, the participants stressed.

Expert opinions and proposals

The discussion was attended by prominent representatives of the sports sector, including Sandis Ozoliņš, Kaspars Gorkšs, Kārlis Lejnieks and Gunta Vaičule, who stressed the need for closer cooperation between sports institutions and academia. Sports practitioners encouraged the strengthening of practical knowledge in sports psychology and communication in study programmes, so that young professionals are better prepared for the real working environment.

The experts also suggested promoting the use of innovation, especially digital technologies, in sports education, as well as the development of dual career study programmes accessible to elite athletes.

Skills development for sports coaches: strengthening skills in teamwork, use of digital tools and training planning.

Management and strategic planning skills

Managers of sports organisations need to gain a deeper understanding of the national sports policy agenda, problem solving and strategic planning in order to effectively lead teams and organisations.

As part of the consolidation process, RSU has taken over all rights and obligations of LASE, developed a coherent development strategy and created a unified health and sports science ecosystem. The plan is to ensure high quality, internationally competitive, research-based higher education and good governance at RSU LASE within three to five years. The resources at RSU will ensure higher quality education and research, and the two institutions will be able to share information systems, project management, legal and other resources.

The sports sector was represented by: Kārlis Lejnieks (former Secretary General of the Latvian Olympic Committee, LOC), Mārtiņš Martinsons (FranklinCovey Latvia coach), Sandra Krūma (athletics coach and sports teacher at the Ādaži Regional Children and Youth Sports School), Ēriks Visockis (head of EV FizioFIT physiotherapy centre, physiotherapist, physical trainer), Jānis Kaupe (sports doctor for the Latvian Olympic Team), Kaspars Gorkšs (football expert, Director General of the Employers' Confederation of Latvia), Andris Lupiks (LOC Sports Director, long-time Deputy Head of the Latvian Olympic Delegation), Normunds Vārpa (physiotherapist, project manager at the Liepāja Sports Authority), Sandis Ozoliņš (hockey coach, one of the most prominent NHL defensemen of his time), Gunta Vaičule (track and field athlete, Head of the LOC Athletes’ Commission), Inna Alne (Head of MyFitness sports clubs in Latvia), and Dace Gulbe (Advisor to the Minister of Welfare on Strategic Communication and Public Relations, former LOC Marketing Director).

RSU and RSU LASE were represented by: Prof. Aigars Pētersons (RSU Rector), Toms Baumanis (RSU Vice-Rector for Administration and Development), Assoc. Prof. Andris Skride (RSU Vice-Rector for Health Studies), Prof. Inga Millere (RSU Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences), Ingrīda Kalviņa (RSU Director of Development and Projects), Assoc. Prof. Dins Šmits (RSU Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs), Baiba Prauliņa (Head of the Office of the RSU Vice-Rector for Health Studies), Assoc. Prof. Nora Jansone-Ratinika (Director of the RSU Centre for Educational Growth), Assoc. Prof. Kalvis Ciekurs (Acting Director of RSU LASE), Signe Luika (Associate Professor at the Department of Management and Communication of RSU LASE), Assoc. Prof. Uģis Ciematnieks (Director of RSU LASE professional bachelor's study programme Sport Science), Prof. Juris Grants (Leading Researcher at RSU LASE), doc. Inese Ļubinska (Head of RSU LASE qualification programme Senior Coach of Sport).