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Journal article
Aspiring athletes managing sport, education, social, and family life: A scoping review
Journal of science and medicine in sport, In Press
2025
Abstract
Objectives
This scoping review considers the experiences of aspiring high school-aged athletes as they navigate the complexities of managing sport, education, social, and family life. The review synthesises existing literature on the decisions, barriers, facilitators, and support systems that influence aspiring athletes' pathways.
Design
Systematic scoping review.
Methods
Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, four databases were searched (SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo, CINAHL), and studies involving aspiring high school aged athletes were uploaded to Covidence.
Results
Across the four databases 1781 studies were identified through abstract screening and 61 of these studies were used for the final review. Despite the significant commitment that many young athletes devote to their sporting endeavours, the transition from aspiring to elite athlete remains challenging, with only a small percentage achieving elite status. Key findings indicate that aspiring athletes often prioritise their athletic identity over academic and social pursuits, leading to potential risks in personal development. The reviewed literature also highlights the importance of personal skills, the role of key influencers such as parents and coaches, and systemic support from educational and sport organisations.
Conclusions
In this review we highlight the need for a clearer definition of an aspiring athlete to enhance the comparability and synthesis of future research, and to facilitate a more systematic understanding of this population. Addressing these gaps will support the development of targeted support systems and interventions, whereas direct improvements in athlete wellbeing will require comprehensive approaches that address developmental pathways, systemic support, and individual needs.
Details
- Title
- Aspiring athletes managing sport, education, social, and family life: A scoping review
- Authors/Creators
- Donna Howard - School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, AustraliaIvan Jeftic - School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, AustraliaPaul Goods - Murdoch UniversityBen Jackson - School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, AustraliaCaitlin Fox-Harding - School of Health and Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, AustraliaMichael Rosenberg - School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Australia
- Publication Details
- Journal of science and medicine in sport, In Press
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991005821250207891
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s)
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Healthy Ageing; School of Allied Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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