ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research project is to build upon the limited base of academic research into the development of players through the academy pathway in English Football Academies. The unique focus of this study is to investigate the limited academic area of player development specific to each phase of the academy pathway; Foundation Phase, Youth Development Phase and Professional Development Phase. The research was conducted utilizing a questionnaire obtaining quantitative and supplementary qualitative data, designed to target aspects unique to academy environments highlighted by prior academic literature. The results present new evidence that academy football can force unnecessary stress upon players within the foundation, youth development and professional development phases, both internally through pressure to succeed and externally from parents and support networks. The research also confirms that coaching is the strongest influence upon player development, however raises new questions regarding its effectiveness across all phases within academy football.

摘要

该研究项目的目的是建立在有限的学术研究基础上，通过英国足球学院的学院途径发展球员。本研究的独特重点是调查特定于学院途径每个阶段的球员发展的有限学术领域；基础阶段、青年发展阶段和专业发展阶段。该研究是利用获得定量和补充定性数据的问卷进行的，旨在针对先前学术文献所强调的学院环境所特有的方面。结果提供了新的证据，表明学院足球可以在基础、青年发展和职业发展阶段对球员施加不必要的压力，内部通过压力获得成功，外部来自父母和支持网络。该研究还证实，教练对球员发展的影响最大，但提出了有关其在学院足球各个阶段的有效性的新问题。