Abstract
Several studies refer the importance of the coach in the personal and sporting development of the young athlete. It is of the utmost relevance to analyze and explore the experiences of this professionals in an effort to better comprehend their challenges and perspectives on the different dimensions encompassed by their work. The present investigation aims to contribute to the already accumulated knowledge of well known programs/ initiatives, like the Safe Zone Project, through the analysis and interpretation of questionnaires applied to eight coaches of youth league athletes, that belonged to the same sports related institution, located in the Porto district. The results indicate that the coaches recognize their role as figures with great influence on the young athletes and also as mediators between the different contexts in which the athlete is integrated. The coaches identified several challenges that they face in their profession by having to deal with youngsters. They shared their thoughts on the sports influence on children and adolescents. Finally, the coaches retrospectively reflected on the covid-19 pandemic and it’s effects on the sporting contexts and on coaches and athletes attitudes, mindset,resourcefulness and physical and mental well being.
| Date of Award | 11 Jul 2022 |
|---|---|
| Original language | Portuguese |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Mariana Barbosa (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- Coaches
- Academy
- Safe zone project
Designation
- Mestrado em Psicologia