FSGC: Psychological Area established to support San Marino’s male and female players

The psychological dimension is, as we know, a cornerstone of the activity and performance of both professional and amateur athletes. For several years now, the San Marino Football Federation has drawn on the expertise of Dr Maurizio Ceccoli to monitor and, where necessary, intervene in support of players when disruptive events occur, whether on or off the pitch. These may range from potential difficulties in relationships, to dealings with coaches, or to managing the disappointment of not being selected – all circumstances that are part and parcel of the game. “After meticulous work and a series of in-depth evaluations carried out within the Federal Council,” explains Vice-President Simone Grana, “the FSGC has decided to launch an even more comprehensive project by creating a fully-fledged Psychological Area within its structure. This will lead to the formal recognition of the sports psychologist as a role on a par with the technical or specialist staff we are familiar with (coaching staff, physiotherapists, sports doctors, etc.) within San Marino’s football activities. The aim,” Grana concludes, “is twofold: to consolidate the work done so far while further developing the motivational component. The San Marino Football Federation considers it essential to take into account every single aspect that can contribute to improving the boys and girls who devote themselves to football, ensuring they receive the maximum possible support.” Within the FSGC Psychological Area, Drs Maurizio Ceccoli and Massimiliano Vandi will be operating. The former, who recently successfully completed the first specialist course organised by the FIGC in Coverciano, will continue the work he has been carrying out for years. Alongside him will be Vandi, his counterpart, an experienced sports psychologist with a curriculum of work across various disciplines. Specialised services will be provided for athletes and teams, in support of the technical staff. The psychologists’ goal is to help athletes manage and optimise their own resources at the various stages of their sporting journey, enhancing the educational aspects so that football remains – above all – a source of enjoyment. One of the most significant aspects, and one that has so far only been partially addressed by the federation’s structure, concerns the management of injuries. The experience of injury, in particular, is a highly delicate issue: in such circumstances, especially in the unfortunate event of long-term injuries, players find themselves catapulted into a sort of limbo – away from the rest of the squad and facing a return to action marked by rehabilitative steps that are anything but easy to deal with from a mental point of view. The service is structured on several levels: through individual counselling, but also via on‑field observation, working alongside coaches and collaborating with staff. While Dr Ceccoli will be responsible for the men’s game, Dr Vandi will look after women’s football and futsal. Interaction and cooperation with families – and primarily with the athletes’ parents – is considered essential in order to achieve meaningful and effective synergy for the benefit of the boys and girls involved. In this regard, projects are already being developed involving schools, families and the sense of belonging to our National Teams. It should be clearly stated that the San Marino Football Federation does not intend to replace the services provided by the San Marino Social Security Institute (ISS). As laid down in the FSGC‑ISS agreement, if significant issues emerge that are not directly related to sporting or on‑field activity, everything will be referred and entrusted to ISS professionals.

---