Sport migration from the UK to the US: The student-athlete experience. Issue 1 (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garrett, Stephanie; Vickers, Emma; Fletcher, David; Taylor, Guy
• Is Part Of: Journal for the study of sports & athletes in education. Volume 14:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Sport migration -- student-athlete -- athletic development -- athlete transitions -- cultural transitions -- collegiate sport -- ‌international student-athlete -- NCAA sport; Athletes -- Education (Higher) -- Periodicals; College sports -- United States -- Periodicals; College athletes -- Education -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 796.04305
• DOI: 10.1080/19357397.2020.1736487
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1935-7397

Abstract

ABSTRACT: There has been an upward trend of student-athletes migrating to the US (United States) from the United Kingdom (UK). This study focused specifically on elite UK student-athletes' motivations for migrating to the US and their perceptions of the transition on their athletic development. A qualitative research method was used to facilitate the development of this relatively new area. Three primary reasons for migration were identified: (1) the appealing nature of the recruitment process; (2) US university environment: conducive to athletic development; (3) idealistic expectations of US university experience. Five predominant influencing factors of their athletic development in the US were also identified: (1) nature of the coach-athlete relationship; (2) training demands; (3) exposure to high-level competition; (4) representing the university; (5) perception of sport as their job. Due to this study's emphasis on sport, the researchers identified two new concepts: multifaceted perceptions of athletic development and positive reframing.