Examination of a Self-Determination Theory-Based Coach Development Programme and the Role of Organisational Support in Promoting Need-Supportive Behaviours in Adolescent Football

Sammanfattning

Physical inactivity among adolescents is a public health issue globally and in Sweden. This study aimed to examine the impact of a Self-Determined Theory-based coach development programme, and the moderating role of organisational support on youth football coaches’ need-supportive behaviours. This was a quantitatve study with a prospective design included 142 Swedish football coaches’ participating in the SvFF D coach development programme. Results from ANOVA analysis showed a significant main effect on coaches' autonomy-supportive behaviours (p < .05), with no moderating effect of organisational support (p > .05). No significant main effect was found for competence- and relatedness-supportive behaviours (p > .05), but organisational support moderated these behaviours (p < .05). The findings suggest that organisational support can be crucial for fostering certain aspects of need-supportive coaching. The study highlights the importance of combining structured education with a supportive organisational climate to enhance coaches’ ability to promote youth motivation and sustained physical activity engagement.