Toward an understanding of optimal development environments within elite English soccer academies

MILLS, Andrew, BUTT, Joanne, MAYNARD, Ian and HARWOOD, Chris (2014). Toward an understanding of optimal development environments within elite English soccer academies. The Sport Psychologist, 28 (2), 137-150.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2013-0018
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2013-0018

Abstract

This study examined the factors perceived by successful coaches to underpin optimal development environments within elite English soccer academies. A semistructured interview guide was developed to interview 10 expert coaches about the environments they create for players at a key stage in their development. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively content analyzed. The results identified a wide range of factors resulting in a conceptual framework that explained how these factors interact to underpin an optimal environment. Subcomponents of this framework included organizational core (e.g., advocate a player-driven ideology), adaptability (e.g., embrace novel ideas & approaches), player welfare (e.g., understand players' world-view), key stakeholder relationships (e.g., build trust with parents), involvement (e.g., encourage players' ideas/feedback), and achievement oriented (e.g., establish an explicit pathway to senior level). Collectively, the findings highlight the importance of establishing strong, dynamic, organizational cultures at elite youth soccer academies. Ways that academies might be helped to establish such environments are discussed.

Item Type: Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Centre for Sport and Exercise Science
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2013-0018
Page Range: 137-150
Depositing User: Hilary Ridgway
Date Deposited: 21 Aug 2014 08:34
Last Modified: 17 Mar 2021 14:47
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/8372

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