What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to understand how children's experiences of football change with increasing competitiveness and how enjoyment relates to these changes.

June 4, 2026International Journal of Sports Science & CoachingOpen Access

Children's experiences of increasing competitiveness in football: A Write-Draw-Show-Tell study across developmental stages

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Authors

RMRicardo MartinsUniversity of Alberta WPWilliam PattisonStellenbosch University KDKatie Fitton DaviesLiverpool John Moores University

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Implication

Qualitative study explores enjoyment and emotional responses in children's football as competitiveness rises, suggesting coaching improvements.

Key Points

This research aims to understand how children's experiences of football change with increasing competitiveness and how enjoyment relates to these changes.
Conducted a qualitative study with 46 children in two age groups (<U12 and >U13) from grassroots football in the West Midlands, UK.
Utilized a Write-Draw-Show-Tell (WDST) approach, including focus groups and activities involving writing, drawing, and discussions.
Analysed data using reflexive thematic analysis alongside pen profile diagrams.
Identified five themes reflecting children's experiences: friendship and fun, winning and improvement, emotional highs and lows, support systems, and developing within the game.
Noted gender differences; girls focused on emotional support and social belonging, while boys highlighted competitiveness and performance pressures.
Children's enjoyment shifted from playful interactions to being influenced by performance expectations as they faced higher competitive demands.

Cite This Study

Martins et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a2115f6d499ed480b16eefc https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541261455252

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Implication

Qualitative study explores enjoyment and emotional responses in children's football as competitiveness rises, suggesting coaching improvements.

Children's experiences of increasing competitiveness in football: A Write-Draw-Show-Tell study across developmental stages

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Children's experiences of increasing competitiveness in football: A Write-Draw-Show-Tell study across developmental stages

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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