ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess gender differences in the motivational factors of masters athletes competing in football/soccer at the 2010 Seventh Pan Pacific Masters Games, that may then enable the development of motivating strategies to promote participation in masters sports. The sport psychology instrument was completed via an online survey using the computer based Limesurveytm interactive survey system. The results of this research, based on international masters soccer competition, indicated that in the sport of soccer participant motivating factors are very similar for both male and female players. Factors identified in this study as 'moderately important to important' were self-esteem, goal achievement, health orientation and affiliation to promote participation in masters soccer players. The incentive structuring or marketing model to promote participation in specific sports and exercise should be based on promoting those psychological constructs that might be regarded as important to achieve these outcomes in specific athletic populations.
