Challenges of football migration : from Africa and South America to Gozo

Abstract

Football migration is increasing drastically all around the world, especially in European countries (Stead & Maguire, 2000). Regardless of what the motivation to migrate is, whether it is about profession, development or opportunity (Agregaard & Ryba, 2014), the football player’s skills (mental and physical) are challenged (Nesti & Littlewood, 2011). The purpose of this study was to gain insight on the challenges faced by the migrant player who moves from Africa or South America to Gozo. Using a qualitative approach, six male football players, three coming from each continent, were interviewed individually in a semi structured manner. All had different experiences of migration in the past, ranging from Gozo being the first migratory transition to others who had previously migrated to four other countries before moving to Gozo. To analyse the transcribed interviews, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was utilised. From analysis six main themes emerged: ‘Psychological Challenge’, ‘Training’, ‘Maltese (Gozitan) Culture’, ‘Support’, ‘The Struggle of being a foreigner’ and ‘Coping’. The transition to Gozo was not explained as being an easy process which confirmed what was discussed by Agergaard and Ryba (2014). Issues which were explored in Littlewood and Nesti’s (2011) study, were also elicited during the interviews. These were cultural challenges, homesickness, language difficulties, isolation, loneliness and related adjustment problems. This affected them both personally and professionally during the games (Agergaard & Ryba, 2014). By adopting coping strategies, following these challenging experiences, the migrants gained mental toughness and stronger personalities. This complements Nesti’s (2007) thoughts regarding difficult challenges having positive benefits.