Enjoyment in youth soccer: its portrayals among 12- to 14-year-olds

Abstract

This article reports on a qualitative study that explored the experiences of adolescents in Norwegian soccer teams. The sample included players aged 12–14 years who participated in the promoting adolescence physical activity (PAPA) project. The data were generated by twelve focus groups with seven girls’ teams and five boys’ teams and indicated that a central component of the soccer players’ experience was simply enjoyment. Their descriptions of this enjoyment resemble the psychological phenomenon of flow, the experience of feeling fully engaged and of having concentrated energy, focus and positive emotions. The results also suggest six components of their enjoyment of youth soccer: being with friends, collaborating with teammates, choosing to play the sport, having a supportive coach, and learning new skills and demonstrating mastery of them. The findings support previous conclusions in the literature about what constitutes enjoyment for young athletes, but enhances understanding of other aspects of adolescents’ experiences specifically in Norwegian soccer. A particular emphasis on learning and enjoyment for all appears evident in Norwegian youth soccer, regardless of the level of talent or competitiveness of individual players.