Tajik Coaches’ experiences in a sport for development program using systems theory: a longitudinal investigation

ABSTRACT

Purpose

We used systems theory with the structural, attitudinal, and transactional (SAT) model of peace building to explore coaches’ process and content of change after receiving sport for development and peace (SDP) training in Tajikistan.

Research methods

Six Tajik grassroots youth coaches from the Sport for Social Change Tajikistan (SSC-T) program participated in data collection over a four-year span. A longitudinal participatory approach utilizing interviews, journals, and guided discussion was analyzed using content analysis.

Results and Findings

Data indicated that in early stages of the program, micro-attitudinal changes were being made by the participants, with more transactional changes over time with a hint of structural, macro-level changes in the schools and community at the four-year mark. More specifically, we identified five themes across time: (1) girls’ involvement, (2) positive coaching approaches, (3) incorporation of peaceful living skills, (4) cultural awareness, and (5) collaboration and community impact.

Implications

Results revealed that over time participants moved from micro-level individual change to more structural level change in local Tajik communities; thus, providing evidence for the SAT model of peace building as a framework (Ricigliano, 2012. Making peace last: A toolbox for sustainable peacebuilding. Routledge).

KEYWORDS:

• Sport for Social Change
• football
• peace building
• grassroots

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the U.S. Department of State's Sports Diplomacy Division, The International Sports Programming Initiative under Grant # ECA/PE/C/SU-13-15 and the Benjamin V. Cohen Peace Fellowship Program, Ball State University #GG001051A.