A practitioner-focused approach to the provision of psychological support in soccer: adopting action research themes and processes

Abstract

This paper brought together the framework and rigor associated with a qualitative research methodology (Action Research) and applied it to sport psychology practice. Attention is drawn to the interface between professional and craft knowledge and, in procedural terms, the paper explained how a cyclic framework that encouraged the evaluation of practice, action for change, and reflection on change brought about collaboration between soccer-based practitioners and sport psychologists. The paper locates the sport psychologist in a supportive, facilitative and strategic role and suggests that a practitioner-focused approach can impact on practice from an institutional perspective.