Agreeing the optimal methods for coaching psychosocial attributes in youth soccer: An e-Delphi study

Abstract

Understanding how to deliver sport psychology in soccer is an important consideration for coaches and sport psychology practitioners. Different models can be adopted but may not determine which methods are perceived as most important in applied settings. This study investigated approaches for the development of psychosocial characteristics in youth soccer players. A two-round e-Delphi approach was conducted with 12 coaches and eight practitioners in round one with 11 coaches and five practitioners completing round two. Consensus was established on convergence and homogeneity, where a minimum of 70% of scores fell within ±1 standard deviation of the mean. Round one sought to understand which methods might best promote psychosocial development, generating 29 summary statements across 14 themes following Framework Method analysis. Following round two, five of these statements met the pre-determined acceptability threshold for consensus: 1) taking an empathetic approach to development; 2) collaboration and alignment with all stakeholders; 3) coaches consistently leading by example through holding their own conduct to high standards; 4) encouraging player reflection on experience, and; 5) incorporating game elements to enhance motivation for learning and development. This study identified where coaches and sport psychology practitioners shared perspectives on important methods for the development of psychosocial characteristics in youth footballers. The offered consensus around best practices can be adopted by coaches or sport psychologists working in youth soccer, informing stakeholders constructing sport psychology provisions for young soccer players.