https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1016 Sun, 23 Aug 2026 02:35:18 GMT 2026-08-23T02:35:18Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148392 Title: Understanding academic perspectives on dual career pathways in higher education Abstract: Numerous studies have highlighted the challenges dual-career (DC) athletes face in balancing sport and academia. Despite the development of the European Guidelines on the Dual Careers of Athletes (2012), FEPSAC’s Position Statement (Stambulova et al., 2024), as well as extensive research (Fuchs et al., 2021; Stambulova & Wylleman, 2015, 2019) and Erasmus+ projects addressing this issue, many academics, particularly those outside the field of sport, still remain insufficiently informed about the challenges faced by DC athletes and how best to support them. This study aimed to explore academics' perceptions of the difficulties they encounter in supporting DC athletes in a small country, and potential avenues to enhance institutional support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 academics in Malta, using purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling. The data were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Findings revealed two key themes: Navigating demands: the challenges of supporting DC athletes, and Cultivating a winning environment: Strategies for academic support. The first theme focuses on the challenges academics face in balancing their obligations with the need to address students' needs. The second theme centers on moving forward and developing strategies that academics believe could better support students in the future. The findings underscore that effective DC support requires a shift from discretionary, individualised academic practices to coordinated, institutionally embedded systems. The study reinforces the importance of culturally and structurally sensitive DC frameworks, where limited professional sport pathways and infrastructure amplify the need for educational institutions to play a central role in athlete development. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148392 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148108 Title: “I ended up with nothing to do. No training and no work. Worse than covid times. I was desperate!” The effects of injuries on the mental well-being of rugby players Authors: Portelli, Robert; Muscat, Adele Abstract: Rugby is regarded as a collision sport rather than merely a contact sport. Players are growing in size and weight and improving in speed. This may lead to more severe injuries, including head injuries, which may have an impact on athletes' mental health. Many doubt the sport's future and recommend regulatory changes that could transform the game as we know it. Physical scars from injuries are plainly apparent and can be treated with medical interventions and therapies. Psychological scars are less visible, harder to identify, and more challenging to address, with potentially longer-lasting consequences. The stigma associated with mental health often discourages athletes from seeking help or speaking openly about their struggles. To gain a better understanding of this issue, eight rugby players (two female, six male) were interviewed in depth about their lived experiences of mental health concerns after experiencing an injury. The study also examined the support they received during their recovery and identified areas for more effective support. A reflexive thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed significant gaps between injured players' psychological and emotional needs and the current support available. The findings shed light on the profound psychological impact of rugby injuries, providing valuable insights to improve player welfare. Based on these findings, the study offers actionable recommendations to mitigate the mental health impact of injuries among rugby players and to foster a more supportive recovery environment. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148108 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148107 Title: From aspirations to exploitation : the hidden costs of restrictive transfer regulations in Maltese youth football Authors: Muscat, Adele; Chroni, Stiliani Abstract: Global concerns regarding youth footballers’ well-being and safeguarding persist, particularly in contexts with limited professionalisation. This qualitative study explores the experiences and psychological impact of domestic club transfers on young players and their families in Malta. Nine parents/guardians of U15 and U17 players (six boys, three girls) shared their experiences of facing transfer restrictions and excessive fee demands. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilized to analyse the data. Parents reported emotional distress, marital strain, and mental health issues, while they observed their children experiencing anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. These findings expose gaps in domestic safeguarding regulations and highlight the urgent need for transparent policies. Sport psychology consultants are well-positioned to advocate for systemic reform and support families during the transfer process. This study provides insights relevant to similarly structured nations seeking to protect the mental health and rights of young athletes. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148107 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148075 Title: Two worlds, one goal : a qualitative study of academics’ perceptions of student-athletes Authors: Decelis, Andrew; Muscat, Adele Abstract: Introduction: This study investigates the challenges faced by university academics (lecturing staff) in supporting student-athletes, with particular attention to the context of small island nations where sporting pathways are still evolving. It also explores their views and awareness of existing support structures, as well as their recommendations for improving institutional support.; Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 university academics across 11 faculties in Malta. Participants were selected using purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to explore the range of perceived challenges and support needs.; Results: The study revealed that academics faced multiple challenges in supporting student-athletes, including unawareness of student-athletes in their classes, difficulty balancing academic requirements with studentathletes’ needs, mental health concerns, and cultural and generational differences. Academics recommended enhancing support systems through increased inter-faculty dialogue, targeted training, incentives for sport mentors, greater university support, a balance of student-athletes’ rights and obligations, and the promotion of the student-athlete support programme.; Discussion: Findings underscore the necessity of culturally sensitive, adaptable, and integrated frameworks to accommodate both athletic and academic demands. The research highlights the importance of enhanced support for academics and student-athletes in psychologically informed environments, particularly in small nations such as Malta, where unique cultural and sporting constraints exist. These insights offer valuable contributions to both theory and practice in the development of sport and education policy and support. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148075 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z