Exploring the Influence of Race on the Coach-Athlete Relationship to Inform Mentorship Practices

This project, in partnership with the Ahead of the Game Youth Mentoring Organization (AOTG), investigates how race influences the coach-athlete relationship, particularly in the context of sport-based youth mentorship for under-resourced Black youth in rural Nova Scotia. AOTG has been facilitating such programs for over a decade and has found that relevant and relatable coaches and mentors are required to ”meet participants where they are at” to provide them with a quality developmental experience. Drawing on critical race theory and Jowett’s 3+1C model of coaching, this study explores interpersonal dynamics between coaches and Black youth athletes to enhance AOTG’s mentor recruitment, onboarding, and training practices. The research consists of two phases: first, varsity coaches at St. Francis Xavier University will wear body cameras during practices, followed by stimulated recall interviews to analyze coaching behaviors and decisions. In the second phase, focus groups with Black youth athletes will examine their perceptions of coaching relationships. The intern will assist in ethics submissions, recruitment, data collection and analysis, and knowledge mobilization. The insights gained aim to inform more culturally responsive and effective mentor-mentee relationships in youth sport programs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jonathan Hood

Student:

Partner:

Ahead of the Game Youth Mentoring Organization

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

St. Francis Xavier University

Program: