Publications by year
2023
Swainston S (2023). Player experience in the academy to first team transition in professional football.
Abstract:
Player experience in the academy to first team transition in professional football
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.
Abstract.
2021
Swainston S, Wilson M, Jones M (2021). "It's all about opportunity": from professional contract to first team regular. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology
2020
Swainston SC, Wilson MR, Jones MI (2020). Player Experience During the Junior to Senior Transition in Professional Football: a Longitudinal Case Study.
Front Psychol,
11Abstract:
Player Experience During the Junior to Senior Transition in Professional Football: a Longitudinal Case Study.
The purpose of this study was to explore the evolving perspectives of young players experiences going through the junior to senior transition in professional football. A primary objective was to adopt novel methods - weekly video diaries - to allow participants to control and report their own narratives as the transition unfolded over 40 weeks. Semi structured interviews, held at four time points, allowed the lead researcher to probe further on themes that were developing. Six participants from the academy volunteered to take part, but only the three who earned professional contracts completed the study. The primary themes in the academy were the pressure experienced waiting for the contract decision, and then preparation for senior football and the first team environment once contracts were awarded. Adaptation to senior football included not only increased physical and mental demands but also those related to the different style of play, the pressure to win, and how these both impacted decision-making. The football club set up two pathways to support this adaptation, loan moves and time with the U23's. In the following season, the move to the senior squad was characterized by a lack of opportunity to play for the first team, resulting in additional loan moves. These moves, and the associated perceived lack of support structures, led to the participants experiencing issues with their club identity, their motivation and their confidence. Internal (mindset) and external (social support) coping strategies were developed over the study's duration. Concluding comments from participants were related to greater acceptance of the need to be patient, perhaps reflecting on the club's reputation of giving young players a sound football education. These phases of the transition came with ups and downs for each participant illuminating key elements of the adaptation to senior competition, barriers to transition without early success, and social aspects of the transition. Enhanced detail to these key areas poses important questions for future research and applied practice.
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