Considering elite adolescent academy footballers’ pathways: A socio-cultural examination of elite players’ day-to-day practices, relationships and experiences

Barnes, Rhys

Abstract

Background Within their day-to-day practices, it has been observed that elite academy soccer players experience various forms of symbolic violence (Cushion & Jones, 2006) whilst also accepting traditional workplace norms within an environment that is defined by discipline (Roderick, 2006; Giulianotti, 1999). Against this backdrop, and to potentially avert any limiting outcomes in this population, in this study we examine the experiences of elite academy footballers to lend further empirical weight to this discussion.
Method The current study collected data from semi-structured interviews using a Foucauldian inspired interview guide (Avner, Denison, & Jones, 2014). In order to remain truthful to the nature of the research project, the method followed the process of creating transcripts from the interview process and analysing them using Foucault’s disciplinary analysis (1995).
Results When considering the findings of the research, theme one showed that subjection to coach observation has led to athletes accepting their routines and normalized practices. Theme two identified intense levels of self-regulation and the acceptance of being a 24 hour athlete. The third theme as it was able to highlight the problematic consequences of such high levels of surveillance with surveillance technologies in the academy setting but also provide an alternative discussion in the form of players beginning their own critical thinking process towards the use of surveillance technologies.
Conclusion Overall, the findings from this research have shown that adopting a socio-cultural lens can help to understand the complex relationships within academy and also the relationships the players have with their body. This thesis has helped to promote ideas and thought processes that with the intention of helping stimulate coaches to think about why they engage in set practices and the ongoing impact that these chosen practices have on player development.

Citation

Barnes, R. (2022). Considering elite adolescent academy footballers’ pathways: A socio-cultural examination of elite players’ day-to-day practices, relationships and experiences. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4571298

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 4, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 12, 2024
• Keywords: Sports science
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4571298
• Additional Information: Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science; University of Hull
• Award Date: Jan 18, 2024