ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a descriptive account of the experiences of a coach (the author) in the junior sport environment as he implemented an athlete-centred approach to his coaching. These experiences occurred in three different sports – Australian football, cricket and football (soccer) – and involved teams and players of different ages, genders and ability levels: in other words, teams typical in the community club environment. The chapter will explore the reactions and responses of a range of stakeholders in junior sport, from the players, parents, coaches and administrators. It will conclude with a range of recommendations for those coaches interested in either exploring or implementing an athlete-centred approach in their coaching practice and offer a series of challenges for future research.
