Evaluating a career assistance programme for footballers

Abstract

Many footballers seem unprepared for their transition from youth to professional level and thus, it has been suggested by several researchers (Richardson, Littlewood, Nesti, & Benstead, 2012) that academies should provide players with the adequate preparation. At the Malta Football Association (MFA) such a programme of preparation for transitions has been in effect for the past five years. This study will, in fact, seek to evaluate the “Career Assistance Programme for Footballers” being run at the local football association. An in-depth assessment of the programme’s effectiveness, particularly taking into account its outcomes and influence on players’ behavioural change, has been evaluated through two focus groups, one with the U19 and another with the U17 national teams and with six MFA coaches and technical staff. The findings presented show that both players and coaches believe that the programme is providing players with the adequate support and preparation for the transition phase. Nonetheless more work is needed for the programme to be fully effective. Thus, constant monitoring and reviewing is needed to improve the service that the programme offers.