Examining barriers and reasons for sport retirement in women's soccer: A qualitative study
A summary of the research:
The article "Examining Barriers and Reasons for Sport Retirement in Women's Soccer: A Qualitative Study" explores the challenges female soccer players face in continuing their careers and the factors leading to their early retirement. Based on interviews with 14 former players from Spanish national-level teams, the study identifies six major barriers to participation, including lack of time, financial limitations, and gender inequality. Players highlighted challenges such as balancing soccer with work or studies, limited professional opportunities, and inadequate media visibility. The findings also pointed to insufficient social support and poor technical management as critical obstacles. Additionally, the research revealed that personal demotivation, injuries, and lack of group cohesion contributed significantly to players’ decisions to retire.
The study emphasizes the need for systemic changes in women’s soccer, such as increased financial support, better visibility in the media, and strategies to enhance social cohesion within teams. It suggests that fostering a supportive environment through better coaching and management practices could reduce dropout rates. The authors recommend that sports organizations implement tailored interventions to address the unique barriers women face, ensuring greater participation and career longevity in soccer.
Key Takeaways
Barriers like lack of time, financial instability, and limited opportunities were key challenges to women’s progress in soccer.
Personal factors such as demotivation, injuries, and lack of group cohesion were significant contributors to early sport retirement.
Improved financial support, better management, and fostering team cohesion can help sustain participation and career longevity for female soccer players.
Authors: Ana Flores-Cidoncha, María Sanz-Remacha, Inmaculada Gonzalez-Ponce, Miguel Angel Lopez-Gajardo
You can read the entire article here.
