Assessing the gender order in mixed participation football from the coaches' perspective.

Abstract

The advances and progression of females towards equality in sport is a thoroughly documented area of research. Achieving this through mixed gender participation is, however, a relatively new but growing, supported theory. This thesis concentrates on the coaches’ experience and perspective of mix gendered football and specifically concerns the Football Association’s current ruling regarding the age at which participation is no longer permitted. The focus is on the personal experience and perspectives of those coaches directly impacted by the ruling and in gains an understanding of the perceived support or opposition towards it.

The thesis aims at adding to the research concerning women’s ongoing challenge of the traditional gender order through football. It intends to expand on the research into mixed participation and demonstrate that the influence of the coach is central in social education of players.