MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY: EXPERIENCES AND ATTITUDES OF FOOTBALL COACHES IN MALTA

Authors

  • Adele Muscat Institute for Physical Education and Sport, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
  • Owen Duca Institute for Physical Education and Sport, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
  • Carlos Stivala Institute for Physical Education and Sport, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v11i2.5395

Keywords:

mental illness, small nation, football clubs, support, challenges

Abstract

Mental health in football has not been widely researched despite several well-known footballers having suffered from mental illness. Coaches are essential figures in athletes’ lives who can support struggling athletes, however, few know what to do when faced with such a situation. It is also the case that not all football clubs can afford a sports psychologist within their team set-up. This study delved into coach awareness of mental health challenges that footballers may experience. Twelve football coaches in Malta, coaching at the top level, were interviewed. The findings showed that coaches lack relevant knowledge and training in the area. Coaches spoke about the lack of funding and availability of sports psychologists and struggled to make a distinction between mental health and mental skills. National associations are recommended to provide relevant education and support to all football players, technical staff, and club management personnel. This study explores the potential cultural implications of smaller nations where the level of professionalism in football may not be at the level of the top footballing nations in Europe.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Adele Muscat, Institute for Physical Education and Sport, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

    Dr. Adele Muscat is a senior lecturer within the Institute for Physical Education and Sport at the University of Malta with her area of expertise being sports psychology. Her PhD thesis and subsequent research have focused on athlete migratory transitions. Adele has a Bachelor’s in Psychology degree from the University of Malta, a Master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the Manchester Metropolitan University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Liverpool John Moores University. Dr Muscat has 25 years of experience working in elite sports, including as the sports psychologist for the Malta Football Association, the Maltese Olympic Committee, and the Malta National Sports School. She has presented at several conferences, both locally and internationally.

  • Owen Duca, Institute for Physical Education and Sport, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

    Mr. Carlos Stivala is a physical educator and football fitness coach. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Malta, along with a Master's degree in Education specializing in Physical Education. Carlos's teaching approach is centered on the Sport Education model developed by Siedentop, as well as Teaching Games for Understanding by Bunker and Thorpe, allowing his students to develop more holistically and obtain a fruitful learning experience through a student-oriented approach. Driven by his passion for sports, Carlos has pursued further studies in football, recently completing the UEFA Fitness B Diploma as he looks to broaden his studies and expand his knowledge in the sport through other licenses. 

  • Carlos Stivala, Institute for Physical Education and Sport, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

    Mr. Owen Duca is a full-time student working towards a Master's degree in Physical Education and getting his teaching license. He earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Malta with his dissertation focusing on mental health in football. Owen played football and futsal competitively for several years until a serious knee injury forced him to switch sports. He also coaches football in one of the top academies in Malta.

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Published

2024-05-28

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2024)

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