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The Internet as a source of learning for youth soccer coaches

Coaches’ knowledge has been widely accepted by researchers to consist of professional knowledge, interpersonal knowledge, and intrapersonal knowledge. This knowledge can be acquired through various learning sources and situations. Given the popularity and accessibility of the Internet, coaches are now offered more options and choices to acquire the knowledge they seek. Unfortunately, little research has been done to explore the Internet as a possible source of coach learning. This study investigated the perceived benefits of using coaching resources from the Internet, types of Internet resources sought by youth soccer coaches, and also how the resources are used to improve their coaching knowledge. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 10 youth soccer coaches (9 men and 1 woman) who had a minimum of eight years of coaching experience, at least an Asian Football Council B License coaching qualification, and had been using Internet resources for coaching for the past three years. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the interview transcripts. Results revealed the following: (a) the Internet was favored as a learning source for coaches due to its easy accessibility and time-saving, low cost, and affordance of new ideas; (b) Google, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are the common platforms to locate coaching resources, but to discern the credibility of these coaching resources are the biggest challenge faced by coaches; (c) all coaches used the Internet to improve their professional knowledge; and (d) common strategies adopted by coaches include careful screening and selecting the Internet resources that suit the team/athletes, and memorizing and trying them out during coaching sessions. Results are discussed in relation to coach learning literature. Recommendations are also proposed to promote the Internet as an alternative learning platform to complement coach education programs.