Types, Sources and Debilitating Factors of Sport-Confidence in Early Adolescent Academy Soccer Players

Abstract

Using a qualitative approach, this study examined the sport-confidence needs of academy soccer players. Pre interview booklets and semi structured interviews identified the types, sources and debilitating factors of sport-confidence in 12 early adolescent male academy soccer players. Inductive data analysis procedures identified 3 types of sport-confidence: Skill execution, physical factors and psychological factors. These beliefs were generated from 5 sources of sport-confidence: Accomplishments, social support, preparation, vicarious experience and innate ability. Findings also revealed 5 confidence debilitating factors: Poor performance factors, a lack of social support, not handling pressure and expectations, poor preparation and athlete specific factors. Practical applications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed within the context of previous sport-confidence literature.