Hur nivåanpassar fotbollstränare barn-och ungdomsfotboll? : En studie om tränarskapets roll och ett barnrättsperspektiv i elit- och breddföreningar

Sammanfattning

This study examines the role of coaching in the level adaptation of children's and youth football within elite and grassroots clubs, emphasizing a child rights perspective. It addresses how football coaches perceive and implement training adaptations according to the physical, psychological, and social conditions of children, exploring differences and similarities in practices and leadership between different types of clubs. Interviews were conducted with eight football coaches, four from elite and four from grassroots clubs, to gather insights into their adaptation strategies during training. The results show that coaches expressly prioritize psychological maturity, motivation, and the players' willingness to train over physical maturity. Coaches from both elite and grassroots express a consistent approach towards inclusive training environments that accommodate individual developmental needs. Significantly, the study reveals that effective level adaptation requires ongoing communication and relationship-building between coaches and players, essential for catering to individual needs and maintaining motivation. Furthermore, differences were noted in the application of these practices, with elite coaches often employing more structured adaptation strategies compared to their grassroots counterparts. The findings suggest that incorporating a child rights perspective in coaching not only supports individual development but also promotes a more inclusive and enjoyable sporting environment. This study contributes to the understanding of how coaching practices can be optimized to align with children's rights, offering insights valuable for both coaching education and sports policy formulation.