Effects of three competitive settings on youth male soccer athletes' assets and sport attitudes across a competitive season

Abstract

The aim of the study is to analyse the effects of competitive level and demography on development assets and attitudes of young soccer athletes in three club settings, across a competitive season.One hundred and twenty five male soccer players aged 12 - 18 years (15.3 + 1.6) from three different contexts participated in the study: professional club (n=45), urban amateur club (n=46), rural amateur club (n=44). The Developmental Assets Profile and the Sport Attitudes Questionnaire were applied at the begining and at the end of a competitve season. Contextual effects were assessed using multilevel modeling. Rural Amateur Club athletes showed higher levels of social and family assets compared to the athletes from professional and urban amateur clubs. Professional club athletes showed lower positive attitudes, suggesting a pontential negative influence of professional club contexts for positive development. A negative effect of competitive season exposure was observed on athletes’ sport attitudes. The athletes’ experiences seem dependent of the ecology of practice and are relevant for their enjoyment and continuity in sport. The findings are important for coaches’ education, but also for the clubs and communities, which should promote programs to foster the development of assets and positive attitudes.