Evaluating the Association Between Psychosocial Factors and Fifa 11+ Implementation Intention in Youth Soccer Coaches

Abstract

BackgroundThe FIFA 11+ program is efficacious in preventing lower extremity injuries in youth soccer players; however, its implementation remains a challenge. Coaches' beliefs and actions regarding injury prevention may influence program implementation.ObjectiveTo describe baseline psychosocial factors and evaluate their relationship with intended FIFA 11+ implementation amongst youth soccer coaches, using the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) behaviour change model.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCommunity youth soccer.ParticipantsSeventy-nine youth soccer coaches from across Canada who attended a FIFA 11+ workshop (Spring 2016) during a nationwide program implementation initiative.Assessment of Risk FactorsA HAPA-based questionnaire was used to measure risk perceptions (RP), outcome expectancies (OE) and task self-efficacy (TSE) on a 7-point Likert scale. Scale levels were combined (positive, negative and neutral) to describe baseline values. Spearman correlation was used to assess relationship between factors and intention (INT) (with Bonferroni correction).Main Outcome MeasurementsINT to implement the FIFA 11+ in the successive soccer season as measured by the questionnaire.ResultsIn total, 92.4% of coaches completed the survey. Most coaches (84.6%) believed the overall risk of injury in youth soccer was high (RP). 80.6% of coaches believed soccer injuries were preventable (OE1) and 94.4% believed that the FIFA 11+ would decrease injury risk (OE2). 69.1% were confident in their understanding of the FIFA 11+ (TSE1) and 76.8% were confident in their ability to use it (TSE2). Most coaches (82.5%) intended to use the program (INT). Only TSE2 was found to be significantly associated with INT (rs=0.42, p=0.001).ConclusionsThis preliminary analysis demonstrates that task self-efficacy relating to youth soccer coaches' confidence in being able to use the FIFA 11+ correlates positively with their intention to implement the program. No other significant relations were found between the other psychosocial factors and coaches' intention.