Psycho-social profile of male soccer players released by professional soccer academies in South Africa

Psycho-social profile of male soccer players released by professional soccer academies in South Africa

Thank you for participating in this research survey. Your responses are confidential and will only be used for research purposes. Please answer honestly and to the best of your ability.Primary Researcher : Dr TN Ramalepa, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Co-researcher : Mr SA Ngema, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Co- researcher : Dr SM Moloko, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Co-researcher : Dr AG Mokoena-de Beer, Sefako Makgato Health Sciences University Mr BK Ledwaba, Cheeky Boys InstituteCo-researcher : Dr EM Makhavhu, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
We kindly invite you to participate in a research study by completing this online questionnaire. Participation is voluntary, and you may decide at any time to stop completing the questionnaire. We will not record your email address or IP number. The study aims to investigate the psycho-social profile of male soccer players released by professional soccer academies in South Africa. The information leaflet will assist you with information regarding the study. Before agreeing to participate, you should completely comprehend the requirements. You should not consent to partiicpate unless you are satified with every aspect of the study.

You will be required to sign the informed consent for participation from a questionnaire that has 39 questions. Upon completion of the questionnaire, an analysis will be conducted by the researchers. The study is not likely to cause any physical pain or distress. However, you might feel uncomfortable because of the way the questions are asked. The questionnaire will be filled out at a time that works for you, and it will alter your time nor disturb your personal life.

It is important to note that your participation in this study is completely voluntary and you will not be paid for your participation. You can quit at any time without being penalised. You do not even have to say why you made your choice to withdraw from the study. The information gathered during the project will only be used for research. It will not be shared with anyone else, and your details will not be reflected.

All the information gathered during the study will be kept private. The study data will not be linked to your name. All the collected data sheets will be stored in a secured manner.

Dr Ramalepa TN, the main investigator, can be contacted should there be any challenges during the study on 072 459 7929. If you have questions about the study, you can also contact Mr Ngema Siyanda Alex on 078 517 3165.

Your co-operation and involvement in the study will be very much appreciated. If you want to take part in the study, please sign the consent form below. In this case, the researcher will give you a copy of the signed informed consent form.

The study will be conducted according to ethical guidelines and principles of the declaration of Helsinki(2013) and guided by the Department of Helath Ethics in Health Research: Principles, Processes and Structures, 2nd Edition (2015). The study has received approval from the Sefako Makgatho University Research Ethics Committee, and may be contacted at (012) 521 5617 should there be any concerns regarding the conduct of the study or any complaints.
ANNEXURE B: CONSENT FORM

CONSENT

I hereby confirm that I have been adequately informed of the nature of the study, conduct, benefits, and risks. I have also received, read, and comprehended the preceding written information. I am aware that the study findings will be compiled anonymousoly into a research report. I understand that my partiicpation is entirely voluntary and that I may withdraw my consent and participation in the study at any time. I had ample opportunity to ask questions and declare my willingness to participate in the study on my own, voluntarily.
Research participant Name and Surname

First NameLast Name
Research participant's Signature
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Please confirm you have read and understood the purpose and confidentiality of this survey.
What is your age?
What is your gender?
Province of Residence
Highest Educational Qualifications?
Current Employment Status?
Monthly Income?
Do you receive social grant?
Age when you joined a professional academy?
SECTION B: SOCCER CAREER BACKGROUND
Name of the academy attended?
In which Province is the Academy?
Duration in the academy, in years?
Age released from Academy?
Reason for release?
If other, please elaborate
SECTION C: ATHLETIC IDENTITY (ADAPTED FROM AIMS)

Rate the extent to which you agree with each statement (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree)
Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement: 'Being a soccer player was a big part of who I am.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement: 'I felt a strong connection to the soccer community.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement: 'Most of my friends were involved in soccer.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement: 'I consider myself an athlete, more than a student.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement: 'I struggle to see a future outside of soccer.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
SECTION D: PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

Indicate how often you have experienced the following since leaving the academy (1 = NEVER, 5 = ALWAYS)
Feeling hopeless or depressed.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
Anxiety or panic attacks.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
Difficulty sleeping.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
Loss of self-esteem.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
Feeling socially isolated.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
Suicidal thoughts or self-harm.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
SECTION E: COPING MECHANISMS

How often do you use the following coping strategies (1 = NEVER, 5 = ALWAYS)
'Talking to friends or family.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
'Exercising or playing informal soccer.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
'Using substances (Alcohol, drugs).'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
'Attending church or spiritual activities.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
'Seeking professional counselling.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
'Avoiding problems or isolating.'

1

2

3

4

5

1 is , 5 is
SECTION F: SOCIO-ECONOMIC ADAPTATION
Did you return to school or continue your education after release?
If yes, what level??
Have you been employed since your release?
if Yes, describe your job(s)
Do you feel financially stable now?
Do you feel your community understands what you went through?
SECTION G: FUTURE OUTLOOK AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you pursue a career in soccer again if given the chance?
What support would have helped you the most after being released? (You may tick more than one)
Would you recommend academy participation to other young players?
In your opinion, what is the most important change needed in South Africa soccer academies?
Thank you for participating in this study. Your input is valuable.
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