Talent Development with its leading theme “Re-imagining dreams” marks core topic 3 of the ENOSS Conference 2021.

Dual careers can come with many benefits besides developing athletically or educationally; such as the formation of multiple identities, the enhancement of social skills, higher independence, or a better time management. Are these benefits natural “bi-products” of a dual career pathway? Or can sport schools and talent models proactively support the student-athletes holistic development outside of the athletic persona and thereby also better prepare them for future dual career scenarios? The presentation of Kristel Kiens, Estonian developmental manager and sport psychology consultant, focuses on institutional approaches to foster the holistic skillset and knowledge base of student-athletes.

Her associated workshop together with Klaus Ginther additionally presents a good European practice of a specific intervention to assist student-athletes in finding new meaningful ways after dropping out of their current dual career environment. Furthermore, the workshop will provide time and space to think practically about supporting the whole person development in one’s respective context and share ideas with other practitioners across Europe.