Exploring how motivational barriers hindering football performance are perceived and addressed by footballers in Malta

Abstract

Research on motivation in sports has been on the rise ever since the birth of sport psychology. This study recruited five participants, two females and three males, who play football professionally in Malta in order to truly investigate what affects their motivation and how navigate a period of demotivation. This was done via individual semi-structured interviews which were later analysed via thematic analysis. The results were compared to Ryan and Deci’s Social Determination theory. Furthermore, the results showed that coaching relationship, the level of support received, injuries and conflicting commitments were all very influencing factors for motivation in football players.