Player experience in the academy to first team transition in professional football

Abstract

The thesis explores player experience during the junior-to-senior transition. A literature review, scoping review (under review), two empirical studies (published), a general discussion, and applied applications of the research comprise the thesis. The scoping review allowed us to explore the breadth of junior-to-senior transitions research in order to identify any and all gaps in the literature. Study one explores the evolving perspectives of young players' experiences going through the junior to senior transition in professional football. Using novel methods, namely video diaries, we were able to gain a rich understanding of the experience of transition players. Unique findings included contract decisions; adaptation to senior competition; barriers to transition without early success; and social aspects of the transition. Moreover, the weekly approach to data collection and analysis allowed a clear progression of the experience to be documented. Study two explored the junior-to-senior transition from professional contract to an established first-team player in an English men’s professional football team. Using multiple interviews with each participant four unique contributions to the literature are discussed: the central role of opportunity in career progression; the presence of a “gray period”; difficulties in seeking support from coaches; and contracts’ influence across the transition. The thesis includes a discussion of the overall findings and future research directions. The final chapter provides my experiences of working with athletes in transition to professional football.