NCI computing student Naglis Montvilas is a talented athlete who represents Team Ireland in Powerchair, a version of soccer played in over 30 countries using specially modified powerchairs and an oversized football. Naglis is taking part in the Powerchair Football World Cup in Australia in October 2023, it will be his fourth time representing Team Ireland.
The team has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to travel to Sydney. The money raised will go towards flights, accommodation, playing kits and equipment for the Powerchair Football team. As Naglis knows, being a college athlete can be challenging as you need to balance your academic responsibilities with your athletic commitments. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can succeed both on and off the pitch.
He shares his top tips for balancing being a sports athlete and attending college below:
1. Prioritise and Manage Your Time Effectively
Time management is key to balancing your academic and athletic responsibilities. Create a schedule that outlines your classes, assignments and study time and make sure to set aside enough time to train and participate in sports. Use time management tools like calendars, planners, and reminders to help you stay on track.
2. Communicate with Your Coaches and Lecturers
Share your schedule and commitments with your professors and coaches so they can work with you to ensure you have enough time for both. Let them know ahead of time if you need to miss a practice or class due to conflicting schedules and they can work with you to make it possible for you to attend both practices and classes.
3. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health
Training as an athlete while balancing study and other activities can be a challenge. Make sure to get enough rest, eat a balanced diet, and stay hydrated. Additionally, seek support from friends, family, coaches, or counsellors if you need help managing the demands of both sports and academics.
These are effective ways Naglis was able to successfully balance classes, practice, exams and competitions at National College of Ireland. If you would like to help Team Ireland reach the Powerchair World Cup in Australia, you can donate via GoFundMe here.
