THE EFFECT COACHING HAS HAD ON YOUTH FOOTBALL PARTICIPATION IN THE CONWY AREA.

Abstract

There was a need to carry out this study due to the gap in research in the Conwy area concerning coaching effects on youth football participation. Due to one of the head coaches in Conwy recently setting up a new coaching organisation this provided an incentive to carry out the research. Both a qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted for this study through the use of an interview, focus group discussion and questionnaires. The answers produced during the study were analysed and compared to similar studies such as Dubois (1986). Stafford’s (2005) work on the Long Term Athlete Development program was also compared and contrasted to the data in this study as it portrayed similarities. Qualitative data was collected through the use of an interview and focus group discussion with the questionnaire providing the quantitative approach. Candidates for all three methods of research were asked similar questions relating to participation opportunities for youths and whether effective coaching has the potential to increase participation levels. Interviewee1was an experienced coach in the area with sufficient knowledge of Conwy’s current youth football state therefore was able to apply first hand information as a coach. The Participants of the focus group were able to provide information on their experiences as a player, receiving either positive or negative coaching. The key findings show that coaching has generally had a positive effect on youth football participation rates in the Conwy area especially within the last two to three years with youths doubling in numbers. The opportunities that youths currently receive are also believed by candidates of the research to be better, allowing coaches to have a better overall effect. Reasons for increases in participation were connected to good coaching and the impact of role models.