Sports for kids are supposed to be fun and care-free, but competition can be stressful both on and off the ice. Now, there's an app for that.
The BeGameReady app was launched by the Royal, D.I.F.D. and the Ottawa Senators Foundation on Tuesday morning. It focuses on the mental side of hockey, getting young players prepared before games and helping debrief them afterwards.
"You're already physically tough, so the app can you mentally tough...it'll help with your game," says 11-year-old Marco Peloso, who plays for the Nepean Raiders. His uncle helped develop the app, which includes 'power pucks', a feature to send positive feedback to teammates.
"It's good to make your friends feel good by sending nice things to them like good shot or great goal," he says.
A famous hockey dad, who's family's tragedy with suicide was shared publically, says this is the kind of thing that parents and players need to put sport into perspective.
"It's tough playing high level sports, especially when you're in high school and those ages," says Luke Richardson, who co-founded Do It For Daron with his wife Stephanie.
"(The app) helps you to realize that maybe I should ask some questions here, have some dialogue with my parents, maybe talk to the coach the next day."
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, up to one in five youth are affected by mental illness. Playing sports like hockey can help, but it can also negatively affect young people because of the pressure it places on them.
"Being able to cope and understand they have expectations and our own expectations are there and how to balance those things," says Mike Souilliere, a youth clinician with The Royal.
The app features pre-game tips, post-game strategies, a daily mood tracker and a problem-solving guide. There are also strategies for dealing with stress and healthy eating tips.
It's been in development for two years, with Ottawa-based Purple Forge leading the way technically.
"They've been an incredible company to work with and some of the technology that's come up for youth...and really engage them in social media and cool things has been quite awesome," says Danielle Robinson, President and CEO of the Ottawa Senators Foundation.
Players are excited to use it.
"It's important for girls our age to express how they feel before and after their games," says 13-year-old Sofia Del Castillo, who plays for the Nepean Wildcats.
"I thought it was a really good idea. It looks fun too so I'm excited to start using it."
Hockey Canada has endorsed the app and the hope is to see it in every minor hockey association across the country.
The app is now available on all iOS and Android devices. You can download it here.
