Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Health, Sport and Exercise Science (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Merry Moiseichik

Committee Member

Erin H. Hickey

Second Committee Member

Valerie Hunt

Third Committee Member

Joshua Lens

Keywords

Community Capitals Framework; Parent Commitment; Youth Soccer

Abstract

This study evaluates how soccer parents perceive the offerings of the soccer team on which their child plays. The study uses the systems perspective of Flora & Flora’s Community Capitals Framework to analyze family commitment to the team. The study subjects were parents of soccer players ages 12 and older who play for teams and participate in competitive travel soccer teams. Parents are classified based on their geographic location and team level. Questionnaires were administered at a series of travel soccer tournaments in March 2024. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. Parents were found to value the total human capital and financial capital across the competitive soccer landscape. However, what is valued at different levels of competitive soccer varies, and significant differences in the value of cultural capital exist between state-level and regionally competitive teams. Research questions addressed in this dissertation: RQ1: How do parent perceptions of what soccer teams offer in terms of social and economic assets influence their commitment to the team? RQ2: Do what parents prioritize in terms of commitment differ depending on the level of soccer at which their child competes?

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