What does the coach do to counteract dropout? : A qualitative study on the coach´s work with dropouts in youth football

The Coaches influence on whether youths choose to quit their participation in football is scientifically proven. The purpose of this study is to examine how football coaches for teams at ages between 13-15 approach drop-out in youth football. To answer the purpose, two question statements were made. 1: what do coaches do in practice to counteract dropout among girls and boys and 2: According to coaches, what are the main reasons why girls and boys stop playing football. Studies about youth's reasons for dropout in sports are well researched but it is less research on how coaches impact dropout in youth sports. In this study the aim is to cover coaches' perspective in youth dropout and whether there are similarities or differences between them. To answer the purpose, six semi-structured interviews took place with four coaches for teams with girls and two coaches for teams with boys. One major finding in the study was the lack of practical work with dropouts among football coaches, they are aware of it but not sure on how to approach it. Lack of support from the sports associations leaves the coach alone in the matter. Another finding was that both similarities and differences were found compared to previous research.