Teresa Enke, Robert Enke Foundation chairwoman, said: “The fifth edition of our support award has once again demonstrated the responsible and important work that takes place in youth sport. I’m delighted that we were able to honour the award winners in this special setting. My thanks go to all of them, because they improve the situation for our young athletes every day.”
About Bayer 04’s ‘Readiness’ project
As part of the ‘Readiness’ project, Bayer 04 works with physiotherapists and rehab coaches to set several fixed points in time during the course of rehab, at which sports psychologists and players have a confidential discussion. A short, scientifically evaluated questionnaire is used to assess the current status, including the player's own confidence in their recovery, motivation to return to the pitch and how well they have overcome any fears. The respective score then provides information on the extent to which the athlete feels mentally ready for a comeback and therefore goes beyond the often purely physical and medical assessment of an injury.
“Want to support the players in this critical time”
Bayer 04 sports psychologist Timo Heinze said of the ‘Readiness’ project: “As a footballer, you suddenly become a kind of individual athlete during a prolonged injury because you lose contact with the team. In addition, you often harbour a lot of doubts and insecurities.” Simon Borgmann, also a sports psychologist at the club, added: “During this critical phase, we want to support the players with the aim of promoting their well-being, using the time of an injury for their personal development and getting them back on the pitch with a good feeling.”
