Focus on Performance campaign helps moms guide their children to soccer greatness
TORONTO, July 24, 2013 /CNW/ - The summer season means that many Canadian tweens and teens will be spending time outside playing soccer. This summer, Olympic and Pan American Games medalist Kaylyn Kyle is speaking to Canadian moms about how they can help to develop their child's performance and confidence on and off the soccer pitch.
"I am so lucky to have a great family who encouraged and supported me as I followed my dream," says Kyle. "I think the best piece of advice my mom ever gave me was to stay focused and enjoy the game."
As kids get older, they play not because their mom or dad signed them up for a sport, but rather for the love of the game and the thrill of competition. To help parents set their child up for success, Kyle partnered with Bausch + Lomb and eye care professional Dr. Dana Blakolmer to develop a Focus on Performance Training Guide for moms, available at www.soflens.ca.
Some of Kyle's tips for moms include:
- Even if you're running late, help your child take the time to get their head in the game - visualization helps;
- Find a routine that works for them, even if it seems superstitious - for example, Kaylyn doesn't wear black cleats because she always seems to get injured in them!;
- Work with your teen to develop a mantra to help to calm nerves so they can focus on the game and have fun;
- Ensure your teen eats a well-balanced meal about two hours before the game;
- Make sure the water bottles are full - hydration is key;
- Ensure sports gear, which can include contact lenses, are comfortable because there's no time to change them during the game.
Kyle adds that simple things can make a big impact on a teen's confidence and performance. She started wearing glasses at age five and started playing soccer at six, so she understands that glasses can pose a challenge while playing sports and that it's not something many parents think about.
"Growing up playing soccer was very frustrating as my glasses would slip and be a distraction. I was really scared that the ball would hit me in the face. Eventually I just stopped wearing my glasses on the field, which led to headaches," says Kyle. "I made the switch to contact lenses in grade eight and once I had them in, I had no problems. They were very comfortable and it was amazing being able to see well and play sports without glasses!"
When is a child ready for contacts?
According to Dr. Dana Blakolmer, optometrist and mom of active kids, there's no set age for contacts. Dr. Blakolmer recommends a discussion between the eye care professional, parents and the child about responsibility that comes along with wearing contacts.
"As a mother of active teenagers, I understand the pressures on parents to do what's best for their kids, but also make sure they don't make rushed decisions," says Dr. Blakolmer. "Ultimately, we all want to make sure our kids are equipped to perform well not only in their chosen sport, but in life. If your child wears glasses, have a casual chat with them. If they reveal that their glasses start to get in the way by slipping down or fogging up, it may be time to talk about options such as contact lenses."
Keep your eyes on the ball
The most important thing is to ensure that, regardless of a teen's chosen sport or activity, they give it their best and have fun! To learn more about how teens can Focus on Performance, visit www.soflens.ca to access Kyle's training guide and video.
Questions about a tween or teen's vision and suitable options for them can be addressed with local eye care professionals.
About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb is one of the best-known and most respected healthcare companies in the world. Its core businesses include contact lenses and lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. Founded in 1853, the company is headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide. Its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information is available at www.bausch.ca.
Video with caption: "Video: Olympic & Pan Am medalist, Kaylyn Kyle, talks about her experience growing up with glasses and how contact lenses helped her gain confidence and clear, comfortable vision so that she could focus on performance.". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLvmy77uDdM
Image with caption: "Kaylyn Kyle, member of the Women's National Soccer Team and Olympic & Pan Am medalist, is working with Bausch + Lomb to help parents of young athletes to focus on their performance both on and off the field. (CNW Group/Bausch + Lomb)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130724_C9329_PHOTO_EN_29212.jpg
Image with caption: "Kaylyn Kyle, Olympic & Pan Am medalist, plays soccer in Markham, Ontario with a local team as part of the new Bausch + Lomb Focus on Performance campaign. (CNW Group/Bausch + Lomb)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130724_C9329_PHOTO_EN_29211.jpg
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2013/07/24/20130724_C9329_DOC_EN_29214.pdf
SOURCE: Bausch + Lomb
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