Children's experiences of increasing competitiveness in football: A Write-Draw-Show-Tell study across developmental stages

Martins, R ORCID: 0000-0003-1391-7179, Pattison, W ORCID: 0009-0005-7266-1937, Davies, KF ORCID: 0000-0002-1853-9667, Smith, R, Gjesdal, S, Tallis, J, Kim, S and Duncan, M ORCID: 0000-0002-2016-6580 (2026) Children's experiences of increasing competitiveness in football: A Write-Draw-Show-Tell study across developmental stages. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. ISSN 1747-9541

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Abstract

Background
As football becomes more competitive with age, children's experiences of the game may change, with enjoyment playing an important role in continued participation. Limited research has examined how children understand this shift or interpret associated psychological pressures. This study used a Write-Draw-Show-Tell (WDST) approach to explore children's enjoyment, perceptions of seriousness, and emotional responses across developmental stages in transition to a more competitive level.

Methods
Forty six children from grassroots football in the West Midlands, UK participated across two age groups (<U12 or >U13). Eleven focus groups were conducted, including six groups with boys (n = 24) and five with girls (n = 22). Groups completed WDST activities incorporating short written prompts, drawing tasks, and guided discussions. Data were inductively analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, supported by pen profile diagrams.

Results
Five themes captured children's experiences of increasing competitiveness in football and illustrated how enjoyment, pressure, support, and emotional responses were intertwined across developmental phases: friendship and fun (n = 43), winning and improvement (n = 37), emotional highs and lows (n = 31), support systems (n = 34), and developing within the game (n = 27). Gendered patterns were evident, with girls more frequently emphasising emotional support and social belonging, while boys described competitiveness, performance expectations, and outcome focused pressure.

Conclusion
Children's enjoyment shifted from being socially anchored and play centred to being increasingly shaped by evaluation and performance expectations, with boys and girls emphasising different aspects of this transition. Findings highlight the need for age appropriate coaching and parent practices that protect enjoyment while supporting development as competitive demands increase.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	11 Medical and Health Sciences; 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences; 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences; 42 Health sciences; 52 Psychology
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Sage
Date of first compliant Open Access:	9 June 2026
Date Deposited:	09 Jun 2026 08:16
Last Modified:	09 Jun 2026 08:16
DOI or ID number:	10.1177/17479541261455252
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28781

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