Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Impact of Social Networks on the Choice to Play for a National Team in Football

Klaus Seiberth and Ansgar Thiel
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Klaus Seiberth: Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Sports Science and Kinesiology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Ansgar Thiel: Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Sports Science, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-16

Abstract: In the course of their careers, elite athletes are faced with crucial decisions. This applies particularly to adolescent athletes who additionally have to cope with a variety of age-related developmental tasks. For young top football players with a migrant background, this can be even more challenging as they often attract the interest of national associations. From a network-theoretical perspective, it can be considered likely that the decision to join a top national association is not taken independently of the players’ networks. This article addresses the role of network actors within the players’ decision-making process. Our analysis is guided by constructivist network theory and based on a qualitative research approach that used guided expert interviews as its core research tool. Ten interviews with German-born youth internationals with a migrant background were conducted. The present analysis reveals several network actors such as family, coaches and players’ agents involved in the ‘national team question’. Evidently, most relevant networks of players with a migrant background are sports-related. These networks turned out to be highly functionalized and leave only limited room for manoeuvring. At the same time, the interviews reveal ‘structural holes’ within the players’ networks and indicate a considerable need for the optimization of talent counselling.

Keywords: elite sport; youth elite football; migrant background; national team; network theory; social network analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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