Examining the psychological characteristics of developing excellence profiles of male English youth soccer players: Differences and commonalities across ages and performance levels

Psychosocial Factors in English Academy Soccer

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in PCDEs across different age groups (U13, U14, U15, U16 and youth team (YT)) and categories of participation (categories 1, 2 and 3 at academy level, and grassroots (GR)) in male English youth soccer players (n = 375). Data was gathered using the PCDE questionnaire version 2 (PCDEQ2). Differences between age groups and categories of participation analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Across categories of participation highest differences in PCDEs were reported in perfectionistic tendencies (d = .64, p = <0.01, self-directed control and management (d = .63, p = <0.01) and adverse response to failure (d = .58, p = <0.01) with category one players reporting the highest scores. Across age groups, highest differences were also demonstrated in perfectionistic tendencies (d = .57, p = <0.01) and adverse response to failure (d = .49, p = <0.01) with youth team players reporting the highest scores. YT and category one players also demonstrated the highest scores in use of imagery and active preparation (IAP), with category one players also demonstrating the highest and lowest score on use of active coping strategies and presentation of clinical indicators, respectively. The findings of the current study have important implications for key stakeholders involved in the planning and monitoring of a players talent development environment. Careful consideration should be given to identifying and developing players’ psychological characteristics to ensure positive impacts are nurtured throughout their journey.