ATTITUDINAL DISPOSITION OF ATHLETES AND COACHES TO SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN EPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA,LAGOS STATE
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
The role of athletes and coaches in sports development is central to the success of any sporting initiative, especially at local levels. Sports development encompasses activities that improve sports participation, infrastructure, and skill acquisition among athletes and coaches, fostering both individual and community growth (Houlihan & Green, 2015). The attitude or attitudinal disposition of athletes and coaches can significantly influence how effectively sports programs are executed and sustained within a given locality. In Epe Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State, the involvement of athletes and coaches plays a vital role in sports growth. However, understanding their attitudes towards sports development can provide a blueprint for future policy and program design.
Attitudes refer to individuals’ predispositions to respond favorably or unfavorably to a particular object, person, or situation (Ajzen, 2020). For athletes, their attitude toward sports can be shaped by their experiences, environmental influences, and the support systems available, such as coaching staff, facilities, and institutional backing. Similarly, coaches’ attitudes may reflect their perceptions of the importance of sports development, their professional development opportunities, and the level of support they receive from authorities (Penney & Jess, 2021). Understanding these attitudinal dispositions in the context of Epe LGA is crucial, as it can highlight factors that promote or inhibit sports development.
Lagos State is known for its vibrant sports culture, producing renowned athletes in various disciplines, yet localized sports development often faces challenges. Epe LGA, a suburban part of Lagos, is no exception. Despite the efforts by the state government to implement sports policies, the success of these policies largely depends on the actors within the sports system, namely the athletes and coaches. According to Smith (2019), the development of sports in underdeveloped areas often hinges on the attitudes and commitment of local stakeholders, including athletes and coaches.
Epe’s unique socio-economic environment may present both opportunities and challenges to sports development. On the one hand, sports provide a platform for youth engagement, community building, and talent discovery. On the other hand, if athletes or coaches have a negative attitude toward sports programs due to inadequate support, poor infrastructure, or lack of incentives, it could impede sports development (Borg & Migliorati, 2021). Therefore, exploring the attitudinal disposition of athletes and coaches towards sports development in Epe is necessary for identifying strategies to enhance participation, infrastructure, and policy implementation.
Sports development in Nigeria, particularly at local government levels, is influenced by several factors including government policies, funding, access to facilities, and human resources (Ogundare, 2017). The attitudes of athletes and coaches can either enhance or inhibit the realization of sports development objectives. According to recent studies, athletes who exhibit positive attitudes toward sports training and development are more likely to engage actively, achieve higher performance levels, and contribute to the growth of sports within their communities (Ikuomola, 2020). On the other hand, negative attitudes, possibly influenced by poor infrastructure or limited opportunities for advancement, could deter participation and undermine sports initiatives.
Coaches are pivotal in shaping the attitudes of athletes, as they are responsible for mentoring and providing technical guidance. When coaches maintain a positive attitude towards sports development, they can inspire athletes to strive for excellence and foster a culture of continuous improvement (Bennie & O’Connor, 2022). Conversely, coaches who feel demotivated due to inadequate remuneration or lack of career progression opportunities may develop negative attitudes, which can adversely impact their athletes' enthusiasm for sports development.
Within the context of Epe LGA, it is essential to consider how socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors influence the attitudes of athletes and coaches. For example, cultural perceptions regarding sports as a viable career path can influence athletes' and their families’ commitment to sports development initiatives (Ndubuisi-Okolo & Ajaero, 2018). Similarly, economic constraints may affect access to sports facilities and resources, shaping athletes' and coaches' overall disposition toward engaging in and promoting sports development.
Moreover, the relationship between athletes and coaches plays a crucial role in shaping the sports development trajectory. A strong, supportive relationship can foster a positive sports culture, enhancing athletes' commitment and skill development. However, if the relationship is strained or marred by mistrust, it could hinder progress (Stewart & Smith, 2020). The presence of effective communication channels, mutual respect, and shared goals between athletes and coaches are vital components of successful sports programs.
The Epe LGA is endowed with vast land and water resources, presenting unique opportunities for sports development, particularly in aquatic sports, football, athletics, and other outdoor sports (Akintola & Oyeleke, 2020). However, the extent to which these opportunities are harnessed depends on the attitudes of athletes and coaches, as well as the support they receive from the government and private sector. Government initiatives to boost sports participation, such as the provision of sports facilities and organizing local competitions, require the active involvement of athletes and coaches to succeed (Olusola & Fasoro, 2021).
The attitudinal disposition of athletes and coaches towards sports development in Epe LGA is shaped by various factors, including institutional support, personal motivation, socio-economic conditions, and cultural perceptions. By examining these factors, this study aims to provide insights into how sports development can be enhanced at the local level, thereby contributing to the overall growth of sports in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite Lagos State’s reputation for sports excellence, there is a growing concern that sports development in Epe LGA is not progressing at the desired rate. A critical barrier may lie in the attitudes of athletes and coaches toward sports development initiatives. Research indicates that without positive attitudinal dispositions from key stakeholders, efforts at promoting sports at the grassroots level often falter (Agbaje, 2018). In Epe LGA, athletes and coaches face several challenges, including inadequate facilities, limited financial support, and a lack of professional development opportunities, all of which could shape their attitudes towards sports participation and development (Omole, 2017). This study seeks to investigate the attitudinal disposition of athletes and coaches toward sports development in Epe LGA, to identify factors that hinder or facilitate sports development and recommend strategies for improvement.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
-
To examine the attitudinal disposition of athletes toward sports development in Epe LGA.
-
To analyze the attitudes of coaches toward promoting sports development in Epe LGA.
-
To explore the influence of socio-economic factors on the attitudes of athletes and coaches toward sports development.
-
To assess the role of government support and infrastructure in shaping athletes’ and coaches' attitudes towards sports.
-
To recommend strategies for improving the attitudinal disposition of athletes and coaches to enhance sports development in Epe LGA.
1.4 Research Questions
-
What is the attitudinal disposition of athletes toward sports development in Epe LGA?
-
How do coaches’ attitudes influence sports development in Epe LGA?
-
How do socio-economic factors impact athletes' and coaches' attitudes toward sports development?
-
What is the role of government support and infrastructure in shaping athletes' and coaches' attitudes?
-
What strategies can improve the attitudinal disposition of athletes and coaches toward sports development?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
-
There is no significant relationship between athletes’ attitudinal disposition and sports development in Epe LGA.
-
Coaches' attitudes do not significantly influence sports development in Epe LGA.
-
Socio-economic factors have no significant impact on the attitudes of athletes and coaches toward sports development in Epe LGA.
-
Government support and infrastructure do not significantly shape the attitudinal disposition of athletes and coaches.
-
Strategies to improve athletes’ and coaches’ attitudes will not significantly enhance sports development in Epe LGA.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The practical significance of this study lies in its potential to provide actionable insights into improving sports development at the grassroots level. For policymakers, understanding the attitudes of athletes and coaches in Epe LGA could guide the design of targeted interventions that address the specific challenges faced by these stakeholders. For instance, identifying the socio-economic barriers to positive attitudes could inform the allocation of resources toward infrastructure development, financial incentives, and professional development opportunities for coaches and athletes.
From a theoretical perspective, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on sports psychology and development, particularly in the context of developing countries. Attitudinal studies in sports development are essential for understanding how personal, social, and environmental factors interact to influence participation and performance. This study bridges the gap by providing a localized analysis of Epe LGA, offering insights that could be applied to other similar regions.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on the attitudinal disposition of athletes and coaches in Epe LGA, Lagos State, toward sports development. The study will cover athletes and coaches involved in various sports disciplines within the LGA. The main limitation of the study could be the difficulty in obtaining honest responses from athletes and coaches, as they may feel reluctant to express negative attitudes openly. Additionally, the study is limited to Epe LGA and may not be generalizable to other regions of Lagos State or Nigeria.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
-
Attitudinal Disposition: Refers to the predisposed mindset or attitude that athletes and coaches have towards sports development.
-
Sports Development: The process of improving sports participation, infrastructure, and skill acquisition at individual and community levels.
-
Athletes: Individuals who actively participate in sporting activities in Epe LGA, either competitively or recreationally.
-
Coaches: Professionals responsible for training and mentoring athletes to improve their sports performance.
-
Socio-Economic Factors**: The social and economic conditions that influence the attitudes and behaviors of athletes and coaches toward sports development.
Related Project Materials
The effect of modern media on the evolution of Nigerian Pidgin in popular culture
Background of the study
This study explores the effect of modern media on the evolution of Nigerian Pidgin within popular...
A Comparative Analysis of Pragmatic Strategies in Nigerian Legal Discourse: A Focus on Courtroom Interactions
Background of the Study
Courtroom interactions in Nigeria offer a rich context for examining legal discourse, where pragma...
The effect of anxiety on nursing students' clinical performance in Federal University, Dutse
Background of the Study
Anxiety is a common psychological response to the pressures of nursing education....
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF STRATEGIC MARKETING PRACTICES TO THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE OF SMALL SCALE AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE
ABSTRACT
The study examines the significance of marketing strategies on the performance of small-scale enterprise in Sho...
An examination of Bukola Saraki’s role in legislative checks on executive power in Lokoja, Kogi State
Background of the Study
Bukola Saraki served as the President of the Nigerian Senate from 2015 to 2019, a period marked by...
An examination of non-monetary rewards and their impact on organizational performance: A study of MTN Nigeria
Background of the Study
Non-monetary rewards refer to non-financial incentives that organizations use to motivate and re...
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON SPORTING ACTIVITIES
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out on the effect of covid-19 pandemic on sporting activities. To achie...
An Evaluation of Social Media Discourse on Nigerian Phonetics: A Study of TikTok Lip Sync Variations
Background of the Study
TikTok, as a vibrant platform for digital expression, has given rise to novel phonetic variations...
The Impact of Development Communication in Addressing Cultural Barriers to Health in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State
Background of the Study
Health disparities in Nigeria are often influenced by cultural barriers, including traditional b...
An Appraisal of the Effects of Road Network Expansion on Regional Economic Integration in Nigeria
Background of the Study
Nigeria’s vast geography and regional diversity necessitate robust road net...
