KESS II Funded PhD Studentship: Supporting the Supporters: Enhancing Young People’s Sporting Experiences through Parent Education

*This scholarship is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) convergence programme for West Wales and the Valleys.*

PhD Scholarship for UK or EU applicants in the field of: Sports Science (Sport Psychology)

Subject study: Supporting the supporters: Enhancing young people’s sporting experiences through parent education

Project description: Swansea City Football Academy is responsible for developing the next generation of young sporting superstars in the region. Furthermore, they are responsible for facilitating the positive physical, psychological, and social development of the hundreds of young people who engage with their academy each year. These two tasks are inherently linked, with talent development only occurring if young people are situated in an environment in which their physical, psychological, and social needs are appropriately supported and nurtured. One critical element within this environment is the support and guidance provided to children from their parents. But, for parents to be able to provide optimal support to their children, they too need support and guidance. The overall purpose of this PhD will be to produce an educational and support programme for parents of children at Swansea City Football Academy. The project will progress in three stages, starting with a needs analysis, followed by the creation and implementation of a programme, followed by an extended evaluation of the programme. During the implementation and evaluation period it is likely the successful student will be largely embedded within the academy.

Eligibility

Candidates should preferably have a Master’s degree (or equivalent postgraduate qualification) in Sport Psychology, Sport Science, Psychology, or a related topic and have a 2.1 or above in their undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Psychology, or a related subject. Additionally, it is desirable that students have already completed or are currently completing their BASES Supervised Experience or Stage 2 Training to become a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist. Evidence of an ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals is also desirable.

Please see our website for further details about eligibility criteria.