A joint study by sports scientists from the United States and Botswana has revealed a strong correlation between a coach’s style and its impact on the developmental outcomes of young athletes in Botswana’s junior and senior secondary schools.
Titled “An Investigation of Coach Autonomy Support, Life Skills Acquisition, and the Five Cs among Junior and Senior Secondary School Athletes in Botswana,” the study surveyed 300 athletes aged 12 to 20 from public schools. Researchers gathered insights into the athletes’ perceptions of “coach autonomy support” — the extent to which their coaches promote independent decision-making and self-motivation.
The study underscores the vital role coaches play in nurturing life skills and fostering positive characteristics, known as the “Five Cs” — competence, confidence, character, connection, and compassion.
Researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Botswana highlighted how an empowerment-oriented approach in coaching emphasises the importance of coaches as mentors who guide athletes beyond just physical performance. Athletes who received higher autonomy support from their coaches reported stronger development of critical life skills, such as teamwork, social skills, and leadership — abilities that are transferable beyond sports.
“Our study suggests that autonomy-supportive coaching is instrumental in helping athletes cultivate life skills essential for positive development beyond the field,” remarked Professor Tshepang Tshube, a senior researcher involved in the study.
Professor Tshube noted that this approach aligns well with Botswana’s collectivist culture, which values teamwork and social bonds. He also observed that the perceived acquisition of teamwork skills positively influenced athletes’ sense of competence, confidence, and connection, equipping them to excel both in sports and in life.
The Power of the Five Cs
The study illustrates how these life skills contribute to the Five Cs, providing young athletes with a foundation for holistic development. Character, for example, is developed through structured guidance and positive interactions with peers and mentors. The study found a notable gender difference in character development: female athletes reported higher perceived growth in character, potentially reflecting cultural inclinations toward empathy and compassion.
Similarly, the development of connection — forming positive relationships — was closely associated with the acquisition of teamwork skills, reinforcing the unique role sports play in building meaningful bonds. “For many youths, sports may be one of the few structured activities where they can engage in teamwork and form friendships,” noted Professor Tshube and his co-researchers.
Additionally, the acquisition of emotional and interpersonal skills bolstered athletes’ connection and compassion. In contexts where coaches often serve as role models, the researchers emphasised creating supportive environments where athletes feel understood and valued, ultimately fostering empathy and caring attitudes.
Challenges and Opportunities in Botswana’s Coaching Culture
The study also identified areas for improvement, particularly in building competence and confidence beyond sports. While coaches play a significant role in developing athletes’ technical skills, they may struggle to instill a sense of confidence or competence applicable outside sports. This gap may stem from Botswana’s largely volunteer-based coaching culture, where many coaches lack formal training in youth development. As a result, athletes may not view their coaches as contributors to their self-worth or academic confidence, revealing a disconnect between sport-specific skills and broader personal growth.
The researchers suggest that enhancing coach education could help address this issue, recommending programs that integrate life skills training into the sports setting. “Investing in culturally relevant coaching education that emphasises both technical and psychosocial development could amplify the benefits of youth sports,” the study notes.
Looking Forward: Sports as a Pathway to Youth Empowerment
The implications of these findings are significant for Botswana. Sports programs that prioritise autonomy-supportive coaching and life skills training could serve as powerful tools for youth empowerment. By investing in coach education and promoting autonomy-supportive practices, Botswana could harness the transformative potential of sports to develop resilient, socially connected, and morally grounded youth.
The study highlights the importance of cultural adaptation. Researchers noted that while individualistic skills like time management and leadership may seem less relevant in communal societies, framing these skills within collective goals can enhance their relevance. For instance, coaches in Botswana might emphasise group goal-setting over individual objectives, aligning with cultural values of unity and cooperation.
As Botswana faces youth challenges such as unemployment and limited opportunities, sports emerge as a promising avenue for cultivating future leaders equipped with essential life skills. For young athletes, the support of autonomy-focused coaches could mean not only success in sports but also success in life.
