The educational value of sport: Challenges and difficulties perceived by children and youth sport coaches

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges and difficulties coaches face when transmitting educational values of sport and their strategies to promote these values in their athletes. The sample included four male coaches of children and young people, aged between 44 and 46, with 5 to 20 years dedicated to youth sports training. Semi-structured anonymous interviews of verbal interaction were conducted, with the support of a script. The main results indicate that coaches often struggle with the current reality of athletes’ parents, who prioritize competition above all and do not transmit fundamental values to their children but also face the increasing use of technology to transmit sporting values that do not always correspond to those desired. Key strategies identified to promote sport values include promoting respect, using the appropriate values on a daily basis and encouraging equality. It is concluded that the athletes’ family significantly influences their sporting practice and the transmission of sports values, and that coaches face the challenge of the athletes’ parents or family not always having pedagogical behaviour.