Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
J Sports Sci. 2012;30(15):1605-18. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2012.733017. Epub 2012 Oct 25.
The migration of soccer players has increased in recent years. In this study, we examined the experiences of elite young soccer players as they engaged in a migratory transition from their home country to an English Premier League (EPL) club. Five young players, who made the migratory transition between the ages of 16 and 24, were interviewed. Data were analysed using the principles of content analysis. Verbatim text was then aligned to the emergent themes. Results indicate that young migratory players face the initial frenzy that is associated with an approach from an EPL club before going through a "decision" phase, followed by a period of "migration" and "acculturation" before establishing (or not) their "home from home". The challenges of leaving home and family while trying to establish themselves as a professional player in an environment that (still) appears to be beset with (traditional) English soccer culture (i.e. high tempo, ruthless, macho, and aggressive) are recounted. While the player's family was a significant source of social support, there is still a need for qualified personnel (e.g. sports psychologists) and/or appropriately trained international recruitment staff and football agents (i.e. in areas of social, psychological, and/or performance lifestyle) to support young players through their migratory transition.
近年来，足球运动员的流动日益增加。在这项研究中，我们研究了精英年轻足球运动员在从自己的国家到英格兰足球超级联赛（EPL）俱乐部进行移民过渡时的经历。我们采访了 5 名在 16 至 24 岁之间进行移民过渡的年轻球员。使用内容分析的原则对数据进行了分析。然后将逐字文本与新出现的主题对齐。结果表明，年轻的移民球员在经历“决定”阶段之前，首先要面对与 EPL 俱乐部接触所带来的最初狂热，然后经历“移民”和“文化适应”阶段，然后才能建立（或不建立）自己的“家外之家”。他们讲述了离开家和家人的挑战，同时试图在一个似乎仍然充斥着（传统）英国足球文化（即高节奏、无情、男子气概和咄咄逼人）的环境中确立自己作为职业球员的地位。虽然球员的家人是重要的社会支持来源，但仍需要合格的人员（如运动心理学家）和/或经过适当培训的国际招聘人员和足球经纪人（即在社会、心理和/或表现生活方式方面）来支持年轻球员完成移民过渡。
