I have always felt very fortunate to have been surrounded by positive adult role models. I grew up in London and the environments were not always easy. That being said – I had people around me who I respected so much and more importantly – looked out for me and gave me access to themselves for guidance and support. This gift, combined with being exposed to loads of social issues led me to become involved in the field of mentoring. For a long time, my work focused on supporting young people who were navigating some of life’s tougher paths—those at risk of slipping into behaviours that could damage their futures. That work was intense, emotional, and deeply rewarding. But as life evolved, so did my passion for being a presence in this space.
Fast forward many years and I now find myself in the extremely privileged position to be mentoring in a different space – dual career athletes through NYSA Sweden
Football has always been a love of mine. It’s the thread that’s run through my own life, giving me joy, structure, and community. Stepping into a role where I could combine my passion for the game with my experience in mentoring felt like a natural transition. Supporting dual career athletes comes with its fair share of challenges. It’s a space where ambition runs high and the demands of sport and study can pull in different directions. But it’s also a space full of potential, and that’s exactly what makes mentoring here so meaningful.
The athletes I work with are incredible. They’re talented, driven, and balancing two demanding worlds: sport and academia. That’s no easy task. The expectation to perform—on the pitch and in the classroom—can be overwhelming. Time is tight. Focus is split. And disappointments are inevitable. Being a dual career athlete is a bit like being asked to run two marathons at the same time, but with only one pair of shoes.
My role as a mentor isn’t to give all the answers, but to be a sounding board, a consistent presence, and a reminder that they’re not in it alone. I really believe that the gift of being listened to is such an underrated space in today’s world. My role is simply help and support them navigate the emotional and inner parts of the journey they are currently on—whether that’s dealing with a poor performance, a tough exam, or just the general stress of trying to be excellent in two very different arenas. Sometimes we talk football. Sometimes we talk about dreams and ambitions, family and relationships, or fears about the future.
Whatever’s on their minds, that’s what we tackle together.
One of the most rewarding parts of this work is witnessing growth—not just in athletic or academic performance, but in confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. I’ve seen mentees go from uncertain and overwhelmed to focused and empowered. That transformation doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without honest conversations and trust.
Mentoring in this space matters. It provides a bridge between performance and wellbeing. It’s a reminder that behind every athlete is a human being trying to figure things out. And sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to walk alongside them—through the wins, the losses, and everything in between.
This work fills me with hope. It reminds me that with the right support, even the most difficult spaces can become places of growth. I’m proud to be part of that journey.
–Chris Mingay
Dual Career Mentor, NYSA Sweden