Knowledge and perceptions of sport psychology within English soccer

TLDR

The study examined knowledge and perceptions of applied sport psychology among English soccer stakeholders. National coaches, youth academy directors, and academy coaches (n = 56) completed questionnaires and interviews. Findings showed that limited knowledge and negative perceptions of sport psychology, along with financial constraints, were the main barriers, and six dimensions—misconceptions, knowledge gaps, integration challenges, role clarity, practical constraints, and perceived value—were identified. Keywords: applied sport psychology, barriers, consulting, perceptions, soccer, youth.

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the present study was to examine knowledge and perceptions of applied sport psychology within English soccer. National coaches (n = 8), youth academy directors (n = 21) and academy coaches (n = 27) were surveyed using questionnaire and interview methods. Questionnaire results revealed a lack of knowledge of sport psychology that appeared to underpin some of the most significant barriers to entry for sport psychologists. These included lack of clarity concerning the services of a sport psychologist, problems fitting in and players' negative perceptions of sport psychology. Overall, however, lack of finance was the highest rated barrier. Six barrier dimensions emerged from the interview data: negative perceptions of psychology, lack of sport psychology knowledge, integrating with players and coaching staff, role and service clarity, practical constraints, and perceived value of sport psychology. These findings were broadly compatible with the survey data, with finance emerging as a major barrier and misconceptions of sport psychology being common. Our conclusions are discussed in relation to the practical implications of the study for both applied research and the provision of sport psychology services within English soccer. Keywords: applied sport psychologybarriersconsultingperceptionssocceryouth