“It feels good to be able to help a young player”

FPA Finland's 2026 mentoring group began its year-long mentoring period in February. The second cohort consists yet again of experienced professional players with extensive backgrounds in both domestic top-level sport and international leagues.

In May, the mentors gathered to share their experiences and best practices with each other through structured peer support. This year’s mentors Niklas Moisander, Tinja-Riikka Korpela, Pekka Lagerblom, Tuija Hyyrynen, David Ramadingaye, Henri Toivomäki, Nora Heroum, Valtteri Moren, Paula Myllyoja and Joni Kauko  bring valuable practical insight into professional football life and different stages of a playing career. Together, the group’s combined experience is highly impressive: nearly 500 senior international caps and playing experience across 14 different countries.

From theory to practice

After the mentor training held in Helsinki in early February, mentors have moved from theory to practice during the spring, and the first months with their mentees (actors) have been very positive across the board. Most mentors are working with one mentee, enabling a close and personal mentoring relationship.

– Some mentor–mentee pairs have already met face-to-face, which has created a strong foundation of trust and interaction from the very beginning. All pairs have got off to a good start, and the collaboration has begun naturally. Each mentor has approached building the relationship in their own way, and some have already engaged in deeper discussions, says FPA Finland Contact Manager Timi Lahti.

Support for transitions and everyday challenges

A key aim of the mentoring programme is to support young players, especially during career transitions. Moving abroad often represents a major life change: a new language, culture, club and daily routines require adaptation — often without a familiar support network.

Mentoring offers a low-threshold channel for discussion in these situations. With a more experienced player, both professional and personal matters can be discussed confidentially—topics that may not be addressed within a team environment or even with close friends and family. Conversations are not limited to on-field matters; topics range from career planning and daily life management to goal setting, wellbeing, relationships, identity, and a player’s role within their team. One mentor even shared advice on personal branding and partnerships.

One mentor emphasized how important it is for young players to have someone who truly understands what they are going through on and off the pitch. Parents may not always understand, especially without a sports background, and teammates can sometimes be direct competitors. Friends outside football may not fully grasp the player’s perspective, making the presence of a mentor extremely valuable.

Guidance, not ready-made answers

The programme does not focus on providing ready-made solutions, but rather on sharing experiences and offering perspectives. This approach supports independent development and helps players build skills that are useful throughout their careers, both on and off the field.

Mentors aim to support young players in developing their thinking, decision-making, and ability to evaluate different situations. At the same time, mentors themselves are challenged to reflect on their own careers. One mentor noted that the discussions have also brought value and meaning to their own playing career.

– Mentoring has got off to a great start. It feels good to be able to help a young player. Personally, it would have been valuable to speak with someone more experienced who had gone through similar situations and could support and guide. My mentee is a great and talented person who is doing well, and I’m really happy about that. It has even been a bit surprising how enjoyable it is to talk with him and how his situation takes me back to the early stages of my own career, says former Finland national team captain Niklas Moisander, who earned 62 caps.

Building continuity in Finnish football

FPA Finland’s mentoring programme is establishing itself as an important part of the support network for talented young players. The launch of the second mentor group highlights the programme’s continuity and growing importance in Finnish football and player development.

– It has been absolutely fantastic to be a mentor to my own mentee. We’ve had great discussions and talked about genuinely interesting topics. If I had had this opportunity as a young player, it would have been a huge advantage for my career. It has been a great start, and I’m sure we will stay in touch for many years even after the mentoring year, says Nora Heroum, who has returned to Finland and plays for HJK this season and has 93 senior international caps with Finland.

FPA Finland aims to build a long-term model where knowledge and experience are passed from one generation of players to the next. In the future, today’s mentees may themselves become mentors and continue supporting the next generation of players. A strong start to the 2026 mentoring group provides an excellent foundation for a successful mentoring year.

Read more about the mentoring programme: https://jpy.fi/fi/peliura/mentorointiohjelma

The mentoring programme has received funding for 2026 from the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland and from the Finnish Football Foundation.

Photos: IMAGO