Race/Ethnicity in the all‐male coach‐athlete relationship: Black footballers’ narratives

Abstract

The quality of the coach‐athlete relationship can be affected by multiple factors. These factors include physical in terms of performance, psychological in terms of motivation, social in terms of “significant others,” and environmental in terms of culture. This study explores the impact of race/ethnicity on the coach‐athlete relationship by utilizing a qualitative research design. A semi‐structured interview schedule was developed to examine the meaning twelve (12) black soccer players ascribe to the athletic relationship with their respective white coaches. Analysis revealed that a number of participants viewed the ethnic background as a meaningful and influential factor for the relationships that they had developed with their coaches in two ways: content and intensity of bond. Participants’ narratives revealed that the opportunity to be coached by a black coach would have allowed a higher degree of communication exchange and empathy. The results are discussed in relation to previous literature.

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