Developing support mechanisms for elite young players in a professional soccer academy: Creative reflections in action research

Abstract

Developing soccer players are introduced to the notions of professionalism through the soccer Academy system. The range of personal and interpersonal challenges that elite youth soccer players encounter suggests a need for the provision of appropriate support mechanisms within Academy training programmes. The present paper draws from the authors’ prolonged research association with elite youth development programmes in soccer. More specifically, the paper utilises elements of a longitudinal collaborative action research exercise, which explored the role of the Heads of Education and Welfare (HoEW) within English soccer Academies. The theme of ‘supporting development’ is illustrated through the example of one HoEW's approach to player support. The authors’ observations and experiences, which draw on ethnographic principles, are presented utilising the traditions of autobiographical writing (Swan, 1998) and the guidelines associated with creative non‐fiction (Sparkes, 2000). Such representations enable the authors, the practitioner (and the reader) to witness the manifestation of holistic player support (Reilly, Williams and Richardson, 2003).