Greece putting player well-being at the heart of elite development
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
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The Hellenic Football Federation is expanding its support for Greece’s leading young female players through a programme that develops the resilience, knowledge and life skills needed to thrive on and off the pitch.
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Developing an elite footballer requires more than technical ability and physical preparation. Through its PITCH programme, the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) is helping young female internationals understand and manage the wider demands that accompany life in high-performance sport.
The initiative builds on the HFF’s holistic well-being programme it launched last season, which used UEFA Take Care resources to support national-team players from under-15 to under-19 level. Special workshops explore digital well-being, performance pressure and mental resilience, including practical ways to protect concentration, sleep and decision-making.
For the 2026/27 season, the PITCH has been broadened to place even greater emphasis on the person behind the player. The opening session combined physical and mental well-being with conversations about the challenges that can affect young people in football and everyday life.
"Supporting the whole person is not separate from performance – it is the foundation of it," explains HFF chief marketing and commercial officer Maria Gkouma. "When players feel safe to talk openly about pressure, health, and everyday challenges, they train and compete with greater confidence. The honesty and engagement we see from players and coaches alike shows just how much value this kind of space holds."
Sessions begin with yoga practices, creating a calm environment before discussions on menstrual health, elite performance, team spirit and internal communication.
The programme then examines how a better understanding of the menstrual cycle can inform training, support performance and contribute to injury-prevention strategies, prompting valuable exchangesamong players and coaching staff. Digital and substance addiction and road safety awareness are also addressed, via the UEFA Take Care platform.
Together, the sessions encourage players to ask questions, share experiences and strengthen the sense of trust and connection within the group. Participants are also introduced to Roundglass Living, the HFF’s free well-being app, providing continued access to tools supporting calm and resilience beyond the programme.
By combining football expertise with practical support for everyday life, the HFF wants to equip its young talents not only to meet the demands of elite competition, but to grow as confident, informed and resilient people.