Quebec Games: How to properly prepare

You don’t need to be a coach to support your young athlete’s preparation. You can help them stay motivated, structured, and balanced in their training.

• Encourage them to follow their training plan without overdoing it.
• Remind them of the importance of progress, not performance at all costs.
• Help them maintain confidence, even when fatigue or doubt sets in.
• Value effort, discipline, and the joy of playing — not just the results.
• Talk together about their goals, whether technical or personal (e.g., managing stress better)

Logistics can quickly become stressful… but they’re crucial to keeping everything running smoothly! You can make a big difference with a little foresight.

• Prepare their bags in advance: appropriate clothing, health insurance card, important documents.
• Check departure times, accommodation locations, and transportation instructions.
• Work with team officials to submit health forms and authorizations on time.
• Identify the team’s contact person in case of unexpected events.

You are a reassuring pillar for your child. But too much presence (or pressure!) can sometimes hinder their independence.

• Attend the information session if it’s offered by the team.
• Review the guide provided (or ask for it) to learn about rules, schedules, and emergency contacts.
• Download the app used by the team to receive real-time updates.
• Respect the code of conduct established by the team for parents.

During the Games, your child will be living in a group for several days — a first for many!

• Talk to them about respect, patience, teamwork, and conflict management.
• Encourage them to be a good teammate, not just a good player.
• Remind them that team cohesion is just as important as individual performance.

You can also help create a symbolic team item (banner, slogan, rallying cry) if the coach suggests it!

You have a direct role to play in your child’s lifestyle habits before and during the competition.

• Encourage full nights of sleep: 8 to 10 hours in the days leading up to the Games.
• Promote good hydration starting the week before (water, no sugary drinks).
• Offer simple, balanced meals rich in carbohydrates before games (rice, pasta, fruit).
• Avoid introducing new foods right before the competition (better to stick with what they know!).
• Slip a small snack into their bag (granola bar, banana, applesauce).

Once on site, emotions run high — for both the youth and the parents.

• Respect the team’s space: let the coaches manage the group dynamic.
• Support your child in moments of stress or defeat without minimizing their experience.
• Take photos and celebrate the experience — not just the medals.
• Take part in reflecting on the experience: ask what they learned and what they enjoyed.

And why not celebrate their participation with a small family gathering or a note of congratulations?