The impact of parental and supporter pressure on children during football matches

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effects which supporters including parents have on youth players. Previous studies have highlighted the negative impact which inappropriate behaviour such as violence and hooliganism has on players as well as the positive perspective stating that supporters motivate the players on the pitch. This study focuses on whether supporters, in particular parents, impact youth players when they pass comments to them when playing. This study also focuses on how such comments impact and influence the youth players. Thirdly, it also looks into other factors which were the cause of pressure on the ten-year old players and how these could determine which direction their future football career would take. Six observations and interviews were carried out with three ten-year players, two coaches and three parents who could be supporters. Results show that supporters, including parents, do not always have control on their behavior due to the excitement and competitiveness they feel whilst watching their children play. Due to inappropriate behaviour of supporters, youth players tend to lose focus of the game and if they were insulted, can also become aggressive and end up adopting negative behavior as part of their repertoire. This study also helps shed light on other factors which pressure youth players such as coaches and parents on how to monitor their behavior with the aim of reducing those instances which have a negative impact on youth players and consequently, making the football experience a positive one for the youth players.