Relationship of age and experience on physical self-concept and sportsmanship orientation in youth Spanish soccer players

Jesús Viciana *, Daniel Mayorga-Vega * and Humberto Blanco **

(*) Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, Spain
(**) Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Chihuahua, Mexico

Citation

Viciana, J., Mayorga-Vega, D., Blanco, H. (2014). Relationship of age and experience on physical self-concept and sportsmanship orientation in youth Spanish soccer players. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 45(3), 214-230. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2014.45.214

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of age and experience on the physical self-concept and sportsmanship orientation of youth Spanish athletes. The sample was made up of 138 youth male soccer players aged between 11-18 years old. The Physical Self-Description Questionnaire and the Multidimensional Sportspersonship Orientations Scale were applied in a transversal sectional design. The MANCOVA and follow up analyses showed a descent of several dimensions of physical self-concept regarding the age; an increase perceived coordination, and a descent of sportsmanship regarding the experience. Although more studies are necessary to verify and go in depth with the results, coaches need to be aware of this descent throughout the formation stages in educative soccer practices.

Keywords: Fair play, Physical education, Physical self perception, Sportspersonship