PREPARING COACHES TO COACH: EXAMINING COACHES’ EXPERIENCES OF COACH EDUCATION IN SOCCER

Abstract

The aims of the study were to provide insights into the understanding and development of coaches who participated in a soccer coach education programme. Previous research has suggested that coach education being a highly topical issue has investigated the nature, role and impact of coach education. The literature alludes to a broad range of understanding necessary to be an efficient coach. The study consisted of semi-structured interviews (n = 8) with soccer coaches has had obtained a NGB level two soccer coaching qualification within the past twelve months. The interviews were analysed using both inductive and deductive content procedures. One of the main findings of the current study indicated that the participants perceive the coach educators to be a major influence, within the coach education programme itself and also as a positive impact to their development. A further finding indicates an implication of research into higher education in connection to soccer coaching, the findings have shown how the exposure to higher education impacted the coaches’ beliefs, views and ultimately impacted their experiences. Finally, a conclusion and finding draw together the need to incorporate real world scenarios into the programme, significant findings show coaches perceive the programme to be unrealistic to real life coaching and significant improvement should be taken to eradicate the ineffectiveness.