Leadership training as a career differential: football coaches' perceptions

Leadership has been studied as one of the main variables for football clubs’ good sporting performance. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the impact of football coaches’ official training on these coaches’ knowledge of leadership and competences. The sample includes 211 qualified Portuguese football coaches, irrespective of their level. A questionnaire was used, with 32 items divided in 4 dimensions: management/supervisory skills, organisational leadership, personal domain, and resource management. To validate the hypotheses, structural equation modelling (SEM-PLS) was used. The results indicate that training has a positive and statistically significant impact on leadership skills. A statistically significant effect of training on leadership knowledge was also found. Concerning the impact of training on leadership skills mediated by knowledge, there was no statistically significant impact. The results also show coaches’ positive self-perception of their leadership skills. However, recognising the need for more thorough training in the field of leadership, they are aware of the importance of continued professional development in the topic. As practical implications, the study suggests reflection on the pedagogical content and structure of the training process, whether formal or informal, of official football coach courses.