Abstract

Although psychosocial skills and characteristics (PSCs) drive development in soccer academies limited research exists documenting processes of applying PSC assessment and development. This study aimed to explore effectiveness of a PSC programme applied in a Category 3 soccer academy with nine volunteer U13 players (age 12.63 ± 0.18 years). The lead researcher co-created the programme alongside coaches (n = 2). Data were gathered pre- and post-intervention using the psychological characteristics of developing excellence questionnaire version 2 (PCDEQ2) and performance profiles. Changes in PSCs were analyzed using paired samples t-tests (Cohen’s d effect size determined magnitude of change). For PCDEQ2 scores, small effects were noted for self-directed control and management (p = 0.11, d = 0.31) and active coping (p = 0.17, d = 0.27). Imagery and active preparation (p = 0.18, d = −0.42), perfectionistic tendencies (p = 0.05, d = −0.43). Seeking and using social support (p = 0.27, d = −0.22) showed negative small effects. For performance profile scores, medium effects were observed on emotional control (p = 0.05, d = 0.76), self-awareness (p = 0.00, d = 0.52), and good learner (p = 0.02, d = 0.47). Medium negative effects were observed for commitment (p = 0.04, d = −0.56), and concentration (p = 0.02, d = −0.79). Main findings were that a 21-week PSC programme had positive and negative effects on player PSCs, which maybe enhanced through a carefully designed programme. Future research should explore effectiveness of different approaches to embedding PSC programmes into soccer academies.