THE SOCIAL INFLUENCES OF COACHES AND TEAMMATES IN YOUTH SOCCER: IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE FRIENDLY COMPETITION?

Abstract

The relationship between specific aspects of the coach-athlete and athlete-athlete relationship on participation in competitive youth soccer was examined in the current study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the independent and combined effects from multiple social agents to examine whether age, gender, and competitive level moderate how status rank, achievement goal orientation, coaching behaviors, and friendship quality influence youth soccer participation. The design of the current study utilized quantitative and qualitative research methods. Four online questionnaires including: 1) an Individual Skills Rank Assessment, 2) Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2, 3) Leadership Scale for Sports, and 4) Sport Friendship Quality Scale, were completed by 172 youth participants. Sixteen youth soccer coaches completed the Status Rank Assessment online. Quantitative results revealed significant participation differences exist based upon the interaction among status rank, age, gender, competitive level, achievement goal orientation, coaching behavior and friendship quality, with gender and self-esteem enhancement representing the two strongest predictors in determining which athletes switched teams within the past 12 months. Interview data suggested youth soccer athletes' initial decision to play for specific teams is not based upon pre-existing friendships. They do, however, typically become friends with their teammates throughout the season, which makes individual experiences more enjoyable. Furthermore, the friendships formed with teammates are indirectly influenced by the motivational climate established by their coach through: 1) the achievement orientation emphasized, and 2) the coaching behaviors displayed. Additionally, participants discussed the following common themes: 1) Friendships Make Soccer More Fun but Are Not Necessary, 2) Girl Talk, 3) Just Want to Hang Out, 4) Confidence is Important, but Assumed, 5) Coach Knows Best, and 6) Play Your Best and Improve each Time.The relationship between specific aspects of the coach-athlete and athlete-athlete relationship on participation in competitive youth soccer was examined in the current study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the independent and combined effects from multiple social agents to examine whether age, gender, and competitive level moderate how status rank, achievement goal orientation, coaching behaviors, and friendship quality influence youth soccer participation. The design of the current study utilized quantitative and qualitative research methods. Four online questionnaires including: 1) an Individual Skills Rank Assessment, 2) Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2, 3) Leadership Scale for Sports, and 4) Sport Friendship Quality Scale, were completed by 172 youth participants. Sixteen youth soccer coaches completed the Status Rank Assessment online. Quantitative results revealed significant participation differences exist based upon the interaction among status rank, age, gender, competitive level, achievement goal orientation, coaching behavior and friendship quality, with gender and self-esteem enhancement representing the two strongest predictors in determining which athletes switched teams within the past 12 months. Interview data suggested youth soccer athletes' initial decision to play for specific teams is not based upon pre-existing friendships. They do, however, typically become friends with their teammates throughout the season, which makes individual experiences more enjoyable. Furthermore, the friendships formed with teammates are indirectly influenced by the motivational climate established by their coach through: 1) the achievement orientation emphasized, and 2) the coaching behaviors displayed. Additionally, participants discussed the following common themes: 1) Friendships Make Soccer More Fun but Are Not Necessary, 2) Girl Talk, 3) Just Want to Hang Out, 4) Confidence is Important, but Assumed, 5) Coach Knows Best, and 6) Play Your Best and Improve each Time.