“The Implications of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Well-being in Young Athletes in Malta”
- Darren Bezzina
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
By Darren Bezzina, Maria Pace & Renzo Kerr Cumbo (2021)
Why This Study Matters
When COVID-19 hit, youth sport in Malta — like across the world — came to an abrupt halt. But while headlines focused on competitions cancelled and seasons disrupted, something far more important was quietly unfolding:
The mental health of young athletes was being shaken.
This study was born out of a simple but urgent question: What happens to a young athlete when you suddenly remove training, teammates, structure, and identity?
To find out, we spoke directly to the athletes.
Study Overview
Ten 14-year-old athletes from different sports (football, gymnastics, athletics, swimming, martial arts and more) were interviewed during the partial lockdown in Malta.
Using qualitative thematic analysis, three key themes emerged:
Training & Lifestyle Adjustments
Social Interaction & Disconnection
Coping Strategies
This wasn’t a study of stats. It was a study of stories — of how young people tried to stay strong, stay sane, and stay hopeful during one of the most confusing times of their lives.
1. Training & Lifestyle Adjustments
Some athletes tried to train at home. Some did online sessions. Some built DIY setups with family support. But the experience wasn’t equal:
“I felt uncomfortable training at home… I couldn’t run or concentrate properly.”“I trained with my dad — I actually improved. I started competing with myself.”
When sport resumed, some were excited. Others were anxious, unmotivated, or scared of getting sick.
Even everyday routines changed. One athlete admitted:
“I cried myself to sleep for weeks… I missed normal life.”
2. Social Interactions & Disconnection
The shutdown didn’t just cancel sport — it shattered connections.
Yet, surprisingly, many athletes said their relationship with their coach improved. Why? Because they stayed in touch. They checked in. They cared.
“When I was stressed, I spoke to my coach. We stayed in contact on social media.”
Teammate bonds also evolved. Some grew stronger. Some athletes said they felt closer than before — even when physically apart.
This reminds us: sport is not just about training. It’s about connection, identity, and belonging.
3. Coping Strategies
Every athlete used different tools to cope:
Some turned to online workouts.
Some took up baking, gaming, or journaling.
Some set goals, organised their space, or trained on improvised equipment.
What united them was one theme: they tried.
“I tried new things. I helped around the house. I made a plan for the future. I just kept pushing.”
It’s a lesson in adaptability — and in the power of routine, movement, and support when everything else is uncertain.
Key Takeaways
Mental health must be placed at the centre of return-to-sport strategies — not just as an afterthought.
Online sessions help maintain structure, but coaches need training to communicate effectively in virtual formats.
Youths need holistic support — sport must be a vehicle for well-being, not just performance.
Citation
Bezzina, D., Pace, M., & Kerr Cumbo, R. (2021). The Implications of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Well-being in Young Athletes in Malta. Malta Journal of Education, 2(2), 6–27.
Why This Series?
At MSSR, we believe Maltese research deserves a platform. Each Friday, we’ll spotlight one study — whether by local researchers, educators, or institutions — to bring important ideas to the surface.
If you’ve published a study on sport, exercise, coaching, or youth development in Malta — let us know.We want to read it. We want to share it.
Because sport in Malta grows when knowledge is shared.
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