Narratives of identity in football for youth development in the South Africa

Abstract

This research project explores the narratives of young footballers in Johannesburg, South Africa, investigating how football shapes their construction of identity across various life contexts. Focused on participants from Joburg City FC, the study employs narrative theory as its theoretical framework, emphasizing the sequential and meaningful nature of narratives in human sense-making. Eight narrative interviews were conducted , structured to analyse features of identity present in participants' narratives. The findings reveal the complex and nuanced nature of football's influence on the lives of young players, contrasting the dominant narrative surrounding elite professional players, exploring narratives of self-development, relational changes and meaning. The research underscores the significance of football in the lives of young adolescent males, particularly within the historical and contextual framework of Johannesburg and Joburg City FC. By uncovering these narratives, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of football's potential to nurture and support youth in a world facing despair and crossroads. The key narrative threads of the study were that of hope and growth. The key findings of this study unveil the profound impact of football on identity formation among young players in Johannesburg. Participants recognized the acquisition skills like socializing, confidence, and discipline through football, integrating these skills into their identities. Representing their club instilled a sense of purpose beyond themselves. However, players faced societal divides based on location, race, and class, with those from township backgrounds experiencing inferiority in the academy football space. Football facilitated connections with paternal figures, providing counternarrative notions of masculinity. Notably, participants reported significant levels of anxiety, extending beyond the pressures of the game. These findings underscore football's complex role in shaping identities and highlight the need for holistic support within football communities.