Edinburgh Napier University

  The Project is a two-stage plan. Stage 1 will consist of developing an understanding of the role that self regulated learning has in the academy experience. Three studies would investigate how self regulated learning and the development environment interact to facilitate player potential and development. Study 1 will take a quantitative approach, using validated tools will measure player self regulated learning skills, the talent development environment experience and also coach ratings of player potential. This would allow an examination of these relationships and identification of key elements of the environments and player skills that facilitate the development of potential. Studies two and three would use qualitative methodology exploring the experiences of players with high self-regulation (study 2) and players with low self regulation (study 3). This would allow an understanding of how self regulation may help these players negotiate the challenge of development. Indeed, self regulation skills may in fact change the experience itself and the nature of the challenge and/or transitions that take place.
Stage 2 will consist of utilising the key findings from Stage 1 to design and implement an intervention that will aim to improve the self regulation skills of the players and also facilitate the key player experiences provided by the coaches. This will be a longitudinal study that will aim to have a direct impact on the process and strategy employed at Hearts FC. This will test the efficacy of the intervention programme and lead to recommendations for practice for football academies.