Abstract
Background: The work of a coach can be stressful, and little is known about how volunteer coaches in child and youth soccer perceive stress. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to explore perceptions of stress among Swedish volunteer youth soccer coaches. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to 1514 soccer coaches of which 688 (78% men and 22% women; 4% < 30 years, 34% 31–40 years; 57% 41–50 years and 5% > 51 years) with non-profit positions responded. Results: Findings indicate that participants in general do not feel excessively stressed by being a volunteer youth soccer coach (M = 2.20; SD = 0.93; Min = 1; Max = 5), and no significant differences in perceived stress level were found based on gender, age, ethnicity, educational level or occupation. Multiple regression analysis showed that demands from employment (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), difficulty catching up with the family (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), not having enough time to plan activities (β = 0.13, p < 0.001), feeling pressured when selecting the team (β = 0.09, p = 0.013) and own demands to achieve good results (β = 0.07, p = 0.045), significantly contributed to perceptions of stress among the investigated youth sport coaches. Conclusions: The results shed light on the important aim that sport clubs develop holistic strategies when recruiting and retaining coaches and for other functions concerning child and youth soccer teams.
Highlights
Being a coach for children and youth teams can be stressful and negatively affect the coaching and learning environment with the youngsters
This study aimed to explore perceptions of stress in volunteer youth soccer coaches in relation to personal characteristics; coach specific characteristics; and coach specific stressors
Volunteer coaches cope with their coaching relatively well from a stress perspective
Summary
Being a coach for children and youth teams can be stressful and negatively affect the coaching and learning environment with the youngsters. Stress that coaches who experience higher levels of positive affect are more likely to trust their athletes’. Abilities and encourage empowering possibilities for these athletes. This is supported by Alcaraz et al [3]. Thellwell et al [4] who suggest that coaches who experience psychological well-being are more likely develop healthy relationships with athletes. The work of a coach can be stressful, and little is known about how volunteer coaches in child and youth soccer perceive stress. The overall aim of this study was to explore perceptions of stress among Swedish volunteer youth soccer coaches. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to 1514 soccer coaches of which 688 (78% men and 22% women; 4% < 30 years, 34% 31–40 years; 57% 41–50 years and 5% > 51 years) with non-profit positions responded
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