About this Research Topic
Our goal for this topic is to address the lack of diversity in youth sport coaching, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by underrepresented groups, the structural issues within youth sports that complicate and/or support increased inclusion, and the impact to participants of underrepresentation. The topic will explore recent advances and innovative strategies for promoting greater diversity and inclusion in coaching positions worldwide, with the aim of enhancing the quality of youth sports experiences and fostering positive athlete development. This topic will gather evidence on the current state of diversity in coaching, identify barriers and challenges faced by underrepresented groups, and propose effective interventions and policies to encourage a more inclusive coaching environment. By examining diverse contexts and sharing successful practices, this Topic will contribute to the ongoing effort to create a more equitable and inclusive sports landscape that benefits all young athletes.
This topic welcomes original research articles, reviews (systematic review with/out a meta-analysis, mini review, etc), data/brief research report, and case studies that address the following themes:
● The current state of diversity in coaching across different regions and sports disciplines, and the role of sport in youth development, emphasizing the importance of representation in youth sports coaching as a critical factor in the microsystem of youth development.
● Challenges and barriers faced by underrepresented groups, such as women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+, in coaching roles, as well as strategies and interventions for promoting diversity and inclusion in coaching.
● Successful practices and initiatives for increasing representation in coaching and leadership positions including coach education, recruitment, pipeline and pathway development, mentorship, and networking.
● The impact of coach identity on athlete development and experiences. The role of policy and organizational change in fostering inclusive coaching environments and empowering underrepresented coaches.
We encourage submissions from interdisciplinary perspectives and diverse methodologies. Manuscripts should focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in coaching, considering the unique challenges and opportunities experienced by underrepresented groups in the global context of youth sports.
Keywords: Youth, coaching, development, diversity, leadership
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.