Training for Dual career support providers

The specific objectives of this study were: (a) to develop three evidence-based training modules for dual career (DC) support providers and (b) to implement and evaluate these training modules in four different countries. 

• Lectoraat: Sportpedagogiek
• Betrokken onderzoekers: prof. Dr. Nicolette Schipper-van Veldhoven
• Partners: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium, , Halmstad University, Sweden, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
• Subsidie: IOC Olympic Studies Centre Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme 2017/2018

Over het onderzoek

Two studies were executed to achieve these objectives. In the first study, three focus groups were conducted with a blend of DC experts, DC novices and former DC athletes working as DC support providers. Based on the focus groups’ outcomes and additional feedback from “critical friends”, three training modules were finalised to be implemented within the European context: “DC support providers’ self-assessment and development of competencies”, “Empowerment of DC athletes”, and “Ethical principles for DC support providers”. In the second study, the modules were implemented and evaluated in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, reaching in total 41 DC support providers. Based on paper-and-pencil feedback forms completed by the participants and teachers, and follow-up interviews with the participants, thematic analyses were conducted to provide an overview of the process and outcome evaluations of these modules. Finally, these evaluations were used to optimize the modules and make recommendations for DC support providers and other DC stakeholders.

Aanleiding onderzoek

A substantial body of research reveals that combining elite sport with other life domains (e.g., education, work, and social activities) is uneasy and might require special support to dual career (DC) athletes. DC athletes face a set of challenges at the athletic, psychological, psychosocial, academic/vocational and financial developmental levels which often forces them to rely on DC support providers to successfully manage their DC pathway. DC support is currently promoted on the European level, national policy level, as well as by elite sport organisations and educational institutions. Recent applied research projects, like the ‘Gold in Education and Elite Sport’ (GEES) project, continue(-d) to enhance the field of DC support in an evidence-based manner with quality research and best practices behind their recommendations. Despite the growing interest in DC support research and accumulation of evidence-based instruments and best practices, no specific training programmes for DC support providers have been developed up to date. This gap was planned to be addressed in this project.

Doelstelling en uitvoering

The specific objectives of this study were: (a) to develop three evidence-based training modules for dual career (DC) support providers and (b) to implement and evaluate these training modules in four different countries. 

Publicaties en opbrengsten

• Research report: The development and evaluation of training modules for dual career support providers: a European Pilot - Paul Wylleman, Natalia Stambulova, Miquel Torregrossa, Nicolette Schipper-Van Veldhoven (2018)(opent in nieuw tabblad)
• tree modules: “DC support providers’ self-assessment and development of competencies”, “Empowerment of DC athletes”, and “Ethical principles for DC support providers”. 

Meer weten? 

Neem contact op met: prof. Dr. Nicolette Schipper- van Veldhoven, lector
E-mail: n.schippervanveldhoven@windesheim.nl(opent in nieuw tabblad)