Supporting intrinsic motivation in coaching : case FC Kangasala
Grönholm, Petri (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121235768
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121235768
Tiivistelmä
This thesis explores how intrinsic motivation can be supported in coaching,
especially in youth futsal and soccer club FC Kangasala. Methods include
reviewing Self-Determination Theory, interview and survey analysis, observations, conversations and experiments to understand what factors affect intrinsic motivation in the club. Also, recommendations are given and practical implications are put in place for added impact to transform the environment more supportive of intrinsic motivation.
The thesis findings show that autonomy, competence and relatedness,
alongside structure, support intrinsic motivation. Experiments demonstrated
positive effects of supporting competence with positive informational feedback, providing a sense of autonomy by asking and applying practice wishes from players and keeping the fun in the sport and fostering a culture of relatedness by introducing a new warm-up game. The survey results indicated that overall satisfaction with the club, its environment and coaching is good. Main improvement areas highlighted coaching support and practice quality; thus, these issues were addressed by a practical, inclusive clubwide training session.
Because drop-out is a common phenomenon in youth sports and acknowledged within the club, this thesis provides practical recommendations to support players’ intrinsic motivation, hence improve their well-being, performance and likelihood of staying in the hobby.
especially in youth futsal and soccer club FC Kangasala. Methods include
reviewing Self-Determination Theory, interview and survey analysis, observations, conversations and experiments to understand what factors affect intrinsic motivation in the club. Also, recommendations are given and practical implications are put in place for added impact to transform the environment more supportive of intrinsic motivation.
The thesis findings show that autonomy, competence and relatedness,
alongside structure, support intrinsic motivation. Experiments demonstrated
positive effects of supporting competence with positive informational feedback, providing a sense of autonomy by asking and applying practice wishes from players and keeping the fun in the sport and fostering a culture of relatedness by introducing a new warm-up game. The survey results indicated that overall satisfaction with the club, its environment and coaching is good. Main improvement areas highlighted coaching support and practice quality; thus, these issues were addressed by a practical, inclusive clubwide training session.
Because drop-out is a common phenomenon in youth sports and acknowledged within the club, this thesis provides practical recommendations to support players’ intrinsic motivation, hence improve their well-being, performance and likelihood of staying in the hobby.