| dc.description.abstract | Background: There are many anecdotes of sporting talent that runs in families. Nevertheless, there is a lack of studies concerning the dynamics within such families where expertise passes down through generations. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the developmental pathway and the perceived role and importance of fathers in father-child duos in professional football.
Methods: Data was gathered through individual semi-structured interviews. The interview guide was grounded in existing literature. Informants consisted of two Norwegian father-daughter dyads, and one singular father (n = 5). All three fathers had played football professionally (national team or Norwegian Premier League), and the two daughters are current professional players that have represented Norway at the U-23 national team level or higher.
Results: Informants highlighted factors contributing to understanding their play and practice involvement, including high motivation for participating in activities, access to local football fields, influential coaches, peers, and siblings. Furthermore, three themes related to paternal influence on children’s careers emerged: 1) support (emotional support, active involvement, and expert support), 2) high expectations while avoiding pressure, and 3) role models.
Conclusion: Based on the results, parents with professional sporting experience can play a critical role in their children’s sporting development. Future research may wish to examine the parent/child relationship in professional sporting families further.
Keywords: Talent development, Parenting, Professional football, Personal assets | |