Introduction: The introduction of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) by the English Premier League in 2011 has resulted in more opportunities for sport psychology practitioners within Academy football. It is anticipated that more female sport psychology practitioners will join the sport and deliver psychological support at youth levels. However, few practitioners are currently writing about their experiences, and the challenges they have faced within this culture. The aim of the study was to outline a range of experiences that shaped the identity of a female sport psychology practitioner working in elite level professional football. Methods: An ethnographic study was conducted over a 24-month period (3-4 days per week) within an elite level professional football club. The first author`s role within the club was a practitioner-researcher, delivering sport psychology support to Academy footballers and support staff. Data was collected via participant observation, and field interviews (Hammersley & Atkinson, 1995). Data is presented in a series of progressive vignettes based upon critical moments that shaped the researcher`s development as a neophyte sport psychology practitioner. Results and Discussion: The findings from this study fall within the following themes; "Where it all began", "11 months on; The same old story", and finally "Learning to cope". The first two themes outline challenges that the practitioner faced in developing a relationship with a senior member of staff in a culture where power, dominance, and control are paramount. A number of encounters left the practitioner questioning her belonging at the club, and more importantly her identity and future as a sport psychology practitioner. The final theme "Learning to cope" outlines how after 12 months the practitioner started to navigate her way through these challenges. An existential perspective is used to frame the experiences. The practitioner`s feelings of isolation were related to a lack of understanding, and an estrangement of meaning from the situations encountered. However, existentialists take a positive stance on this, and believe that recognition of the feelings associated with isolation are a pre-requisite for inner growth, and attaining greater self-knowledge (Kierkegaard, 1983). It was through reflection, frequent supervisory meetings and professional training that the practitioner began to feel more comfortable with her experiences, and began to understand the individual`s behaviour.
© Copyright 2016 21st Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Vienna, 6. -9. July 2016. Published by University of Vienna. All rights reserved.