Youth Athletes With Dyslexia and Their Experience Within Inclusive Sport: What is the Influence of the Coach?

This study examined the relationships between emotions, perceptions of coaches, motivational/emotional climates (emotional relationships and environment within a specific context), and personal/social growth (development of personal growth and social interactions through and within sporting experiences) from the viewpoint of youth athletes with dyslexia. A qualitative one-on-one interview approach, focusing on youth athletes with dyslexia (N=12) was used to explore these athletes’ experiences when in sport. Qualitative analysis resulted in three major themes: (a) Hidden disabilities tend to stay hidden, (b) Caring is coaching, and (c) Social and emotional experiences matter. Findings showed that sporting experiences can have an impact on these athletes social, physical, and psychological growth. This study’s findings also exposed that the psychological, emotional, and motivational aspects of youth-athletes’ with dyslexia development can be encouraged through the motivational climate created by the coaches. The interrelationship between skill ability, understanding performance and emotional experiences for all youth athletes matters, but even more so for those who have hidden disabilities. The limitations and future research suggestions are embedded within the text.