Exploring the Coach’s Role in Youth Life Skills Development in Southern Africa

in International Sport Coaching Journal

Click name to view affiliation

Zenzi HuysmansWest Virginia University

Search for other papers by Zenzi Huysmans in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
,
Damien ClementWest Virginia University

Search for other papers by Damien Clement in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
,
Robert HilliardWest Virginia University

Search for other papers by Robert Hilliard in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
, and
Adam HansellWest Virginia University

Search for other papers by Adam Hansell in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2017-0097
Keywords:
athlete outcomes; coaching philosophy; positive youth development
In Print:
Volume 5: Issue 3
Page Range:
237–250
Restricted access

A strong body of research supports the meaningful role of coaches in helping youth athletes develop personally and emotionally through the learning of life skills. However, limited exploration of this topic has taken place in non-Western regions where youth face very different developmental challenges. To explore this topic further, nine coaches in Swaziland participated in semi-structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis revealed that although most coaches found it difficult to articulate a coaching philosophy, they valued developing both the athlete and the person. Coaches focused on teaching a range of life skills and values that were relevant to overcoming the most salient local youth challenges. The main strategies coaches employed to develop life skills were discussion, providing opportunities to build skills, and modelling appropriate behaviours through caring coach-athlete relationships. Results of this study provide further support for the role of coaches as facilitators of life skills learning in the Southern African context. Additional education is needed to help youth coaches craft coaching philosophies that are grounded in life skills outcomes. Future efforts should also focus on developing cost-effective programming to teach coaches how to build caring coach-athlete relationships and intentionally facilitate life skills learning in young people.

Zenzi Huysmans, Damien Clement, Robert Hilliard, and Adam Hansell are with the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.

Address author correspondence to Zenzi Huysmans at zehuysmans@mix.wvu.edu.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

International Sport Coaching Journal

Cover International Sport Coaching Journal

  • AVERTing HIV and AIDS (AVERT). (2016). HIV and AIDS in Swaziland. Retrieved from http://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-around-world/sub-saharan-africa/swaziland

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

  • Bean, C., & Forneris, T. (2016). Examining the importance of intentionally structuring the youth sport context to facilitate psychosocial development. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 28, 410–425. doi:10.1080/10413200.2016.1164764

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bean, C., & Forneris, T. (2017). Is life skill development a by-product of sport participation? Perceptions of youth sport coaches. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 29, 234–250. doi:10.1080/10413200.2016.1231723

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Burnett, C. (2014). The impact of a sport-for-education programme in the South African context of poverty. Sport in Society, 17, 722–735. doi:10.1080/17430437.2014.882903

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Buseh, A.G., Glass, L.K., & McElmurry, B.J. (2002). Cultural and gender issues related to HIV/AIDS prevention in rural Swaziland: A focus group analysis. Health Care for Women International, 23, 173–184. doi:10.1080/073993302753429040

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Camiré, M., Forneris, T., Trudel, P., & Bernard, D. (2011). Strategies for helping coaches facilitate positive youth development through sport. Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, 2, 92–99. doi:10.1080/21520704.2011.584246

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Camiré, M., Trudel, P., & Forneris, T. (2012). Coaching and transferring life skills: Philosophies and strategies used by model high school coaches. The Sport Psychologist, 26, 243–260. doi:10.1123/tsp.26.2.243

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Coakley, J. (2011). Youth sports: What counts as “positive development”? Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 35, 306–324. doi:10.1177/0193723511417311

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Collins, K., Gould, D., Lauer, L., & Chung, Y. (2009). Coaching life skills through football: Philosophical beliefs of outstanding high school football coaches. International Journal of Coaching Science, 3(1), 29–54.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Creswell, J.W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

  • Creswell, J.W., Hanson, W.E., Clark Plano, V.L., & Morales, A. (2007). Qualitative research designs: Selection and implementation. The Counseling Psychologist, 35, 236–264. doi:10.1177/0011000006287390

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Crotty, M. (1998). The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process. London, UK: Sage.

  • Draper, C.E., & Coalter, F. (2016). “There’s just something about this club. It’s been my family.” An analysis of the experiences of youth in a South African sport-for-development programme. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 51, 44–60. doi:10.1177/1012690213513783

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fatusi, A.O., & Hindin, M.J. (2010). Adolescents and youth in developing countries: Health and development issues in context. Journal of Adolescence, 33, 499–508. doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.05.019

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Giges, B., Petitpas, A.J., & Vernacchia, R.A. (2004). Helping coaches meet their own needs: Challenges for the sport psychology consultant. The Sport Psychologist, 18, 430–444. doi:10.1123/tsp.18.4.430

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gould, D., & Carson, S. (2008). Life skills development through sport: Current status and future directions. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 1, 58–78. doi:10.1080/17509840701834573

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gould, D., Carson, S., & Blanton, J. (2013). Coaching life skills. In P. Protrac, W. Gilbert, & J. Denison (Eds.), Routledge handbook of sports coaching (pp. 259–270). London, UK: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gould, D., Collins, K., Lauer, L., & Chung, Y. (2007). Coaching life skills through football: A study of award winning high school coaches. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 19, 16–37. doi:10.1080/10413200601113786

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variability. Field Methods, 18, 59–82. doi:10.1177/1525822X05279903

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Halstead, J.M., & Taylor, M.J. (2000). Learning and teaching about values: A review of recent research. Cambridge Journal of Education, 30, 169–202. doi:10.1080/713657146

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hellison, D.R. (2011). Teaching personal and social responsibility through physical activity. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

  • Holt, N.L., & Neely, K.C. (2011). Positive youth development through sport: A review. Revista Iberoamericana de Psicología del Ejercicio y el Deporte, 6, 299–316.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Holt, N.L., Neely, K.C., Slater, L.G., Camiré, M., Côté, J., Fraser-Thomas, J., … Tamminen, K.A. (2017). A grounded theory of positive youth development through sport based on results from a qualitative meta-study. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10, 1–49. doi:10.1080/1750984X.2016.1180704

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • International Council for Coaching Excellence, Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, & Leeds Metropolitan University. (2013). International sport coaching framework (version 1.2). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). (2016). Country facts sheets – Swaziland. Retrieved from http://aidsinfo.unaids.org/

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Jones, L. (2006). Sexual discourse and decision-making by urban youth in AIDS-afflicted Swaziland. African Journal of AIDS Research, 5, 145–157. doi:10.2989/16085900609490375

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kasiram, M.I., Ngcobo, N., Oliphant, E., & Roestenburg, E. (2013). HIV/AIDS and women: African and South African perspectives. Indilinga African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Revisiting the Research Paradigm, 12(1), 62–79.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kaufman, Z.A., Spencer, T.S., & Ross, D.A. (2013). Effectiveness of sport-based HIV prevention initiatives: A systematic review of the evidence. AIDS and Behavior, 17, 981–1001.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Koh, K.T., & Camiré, M. (2015). Strategies for the development of life skills and values through sport programmes: Review and recommendations. In H.K. Leng & N.Y. Hsu (Eds.), Emerging Trends and Innovation in Sports Marketing and Management in Asia (pp. 241–256). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lumpkin, A. (2010). Teachers and coaches as leaders demonstrating character and competence. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance, 81(8), 49–52. doi:10.1080/07303084.2010.10598529

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • MacPhail, C., Pettifor, A., & Rees, H. (2007). Contexts of risk: HIV/AIDS among young people in Africa and prevention opportunities. Africa Insight, 37, 473–492.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Marshall, S.K., & Barry, P. (2015). Community sport for development: Perceptions from practice in Southern Africa. Journal of Sport Management, 29, 109–121. doi:10.1123/JSM.2012-0301

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Martinek, T., & Hellison, D. (2016). Teaching personal and social responsibility: Past, present and future. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 87(5), 9–13. doi:10.1080/07303084.2016.1157382

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mavundla, S., Dlamini, N., Nyoni, N., & Mac-Ikemenjima, D. (2015). Youth and Public Policy Swaziland. Youth Policy Press.

  • Meir, D. (2017). “Leadership and empowerment through sport”: The intentions, hopes, ambitions and reality of creating a sport-for-development organisation in Cape Town. Journal of Sport for Development, 5(8), 19–29.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs. (2015). Swaziland State of the Youth Report 2015. UNFPA.

  • Morrow, S.L. (2005). Quality and trustworthiness in qualitative research in counseling psychology. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52, 250–260. doi:10.1037/0022-0167.52.2.250

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ndlangamandla, E.D., Burnett, C., & Roux, C.J. (2012). Participation of learners in Swaziland school sports. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 18, 900–911.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Raskin, J.D. (2002). Constructivism in psychology: Personal construct psychology, radical constructivism, and social constructionism. In J.D. Raskin & S.K. Bridges (Eds.), Studies in meaning: Exploring constructivist psychology (pp. 1–25). New York, NY: Plenum.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sackett, S.C., & Gano-Overway, L.A. (2017). Coaching life skills development: Best practices and high school tennis coach exemplar. International Sport Coaching Journal, 4, 206–219. doi:10.1123/iscj.2016-0080

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Santos, F., Camiré, M., MacDonald, D.J., Campos, H., Conceição, M., & Silva, P. (2017). Youth sport coaches’ perspective on positive youth development and its worth in mainstream coach education courses. International Sport Coaching Journal, 4, 38–46. doi:10.1123/iscj.2016-0092

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). (2011). The South African Coaching Framework. Johannesburg, South Africa: Author.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Segwaba, J., Vardhan, D., & Duffy, P. (2014). Coaching in South Africa. International Sport Coaching Journal, 1, 33–41. doi:10.1123/iscj.2013-0042

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, B., & McGannon, K.R. (2018). Developing rigor in qualitative research: Problems and opportunities within sport and exercise psychology. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11(1), 101–121. doi:10.1080/1750984X.2017.1317357

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sparkes, A.C., & Smith, B. (2009). Judging the quality of qualitative inquiry: Criteriology and relativism in action. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 10, 491–497. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2009.02.006

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sparkes, A.C., & Smith, B. (2014). Qualitative research methods in sport, exercise and health: From process to product. New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Toriola, O.M. (2010). Children’s perception of physical education and school sport in Swaziland. The Shield (International Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science), 5, 96–107.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tracy, S.J. (2010). Qualitative quality: Eight “big-tent” criteria for excellent qualitative research. Qualitative Inquiry, 16, 837–851. doi:10.1177/1077800410383121

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tufford, L., & Newman, P. (2012). Bracketing in qualitative research. Qualitative Social Work, 11, 80–96. doi:10.1177/1473325010368316

  • Underwood, C., Skinner, J., Osman, N., & Schwandt, H. (2011). Structural determinants of adolescent girls’ vulnerability to HIV: Views from community members in Botswana, Malawi, and Mozambique. Social Science & Medicine, 73, 343–350. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.05.044

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vaismoradi, M., Turunen, H., & Bondas, T. (2013). Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative descriptive study. Nursing & Health Sciences, 15, 398–405. doi:10.1111/nhs.12048

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vella, S., Oades, L., & Crowe, T. (2011). The role of the coach in facilitating positive youth development: Moving from theory to practice. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 23, 33–48. doi:10.1080/10413200.2010.511423

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vierimaa, M., Erickson, K., Côté, J., & Gilbert, W. (2012). Positive youth development: A measurement framework for sport. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 7, 601–614. doi:10.1260/1747-9541.7.3.601

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wamoyi, J., Mshana, G., Mongi, A., Neke, N., Kapiga, S., & Changalucha, J. (2014). A review of interventions addressing structural drivers of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health vulnerability in sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for sexual health programming. Reproductive Health, 11, 88. doi:10.1186/1742-4755-11-88

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Whitley, M.A., Hayden, L.A., & Gould, D. (2013). Growing up in the Kayamandi Township: I. The role of sport in helping young people overcome challenges within their community. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 5, 373–397. doi:10.1080/2159676X.2012.712993

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Whitley, M.A., Hayden, L.A., & Gould, D. (2016). Growing up in the Kayamandi Township: II. Sport as a setting for the development and transfer of desirable competencies. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 14, 305–322. doi:10.1080/1612197X.2015.1036095

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Whitley, M.A., Wright, E.M., & Gould, D. (2013). Coaches’ perspectives on sport-plus programmes for underserved youth: An exploratory phase in South Africa. Journal of Sport for Development, 1, 53–66.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Whitley, M.A., Wright, E.M., & Gould, D. (2016). Coaches’ perspectives on teaching life skills to underserved South African children and youth. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 11, 312–326. doi:10.1177/1747954116643646

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • World Health Organization (WHO). (1999). Partners in life skills education. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, Department of Mental Health.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2013). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/countries/swz/en/

  • Wright, P.M., Jacobs, J.M., Ressler, J.D., & Jung, J. (2016). Teaching for transformative educational experience in a sport for development program. Sport, Education and Society, 21, 531–548. doi:10.1080/13573322.2016.1142433

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1693 926 6
Full Text Views 37 11 0
PDF Downloads 41 16 0