| Summary: | The aim of this study is to examine and analyse the career transitions from amateur to elite level for male soccer players in Swedish elite football clubs and to identify which factors that affects and develops the player linked to this process. Research material has been collected through semi-structured qualitative interviews with professional players in Swedish elite football clubs to answer the research questions of this study. The theoretical framework from which the collected material has been analysed is The holistic athletic career model which provides an opportunity to investigate the phenomen on a multidimensional and holistic way (Wylleman, Reints & De knop, 2013). The results suggests that there are several differences between being an amateur and a professional elite football player in Swedish football clubs. Also, that a career transition from amateur level to professional level for a player is considered being problematic and difficult. The result of this study adds new knowledge to the previous research by identifying significant internal and external factors that are considered crucial for a football players transition to be able to play at a professional elite level within a Swedish elite football club. The most prominent significant factors that are considered to be crucial is a mental strength, the ability to deal with setbacks and a clear target image, as well as support from family, coaches and teammates in the players environment. In this way, this study contributes with a new insight into the subject area which complements the previous research that has previously been studied.
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