Barriers to disengagement from an athletic career: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis with retired elite-level female footballers

Once the optimal age for achieving certain goals has passed and the investment in a goal is no longer possible, self-regulation theories claim that disengagement from the goal and re-engagement in alternative goals will contribute to adaptive development. The present study explored the barriers experienced by four retired female elite-level footballers when adapting to retirement in the long term. To achieve this, the study was designed according to the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Our findings suggest that the ex-athletes found it difficult to disengage from their career goals during their transitions out of elite sport and listed four main reasons for this: i) the fear of being forgotten; ii) the attempt to create a link for future involvement as future coaches; iii) the belief that as practitioners they enjoy a very rewarding role in terms of achievement; iv) the social pressure to continue practicing at an elite sporting level. These findings suggest athletes approaching retirement might benefit from support interventions to help prevent distress and to promote well-being during their transitions out of elite sport. Therefore, clubs and federations should encourage and foster the development of adequate career transition programs, to achieve a fairer environment and a better quality of life for the players.