A Factor-Analytic Study of Selected Psychological Traits as Indicators for the Selection of Youth Football Players

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the factor structure of selected psychological trait measures in youth football players, with a view to establishing scientifically grounded indicators for sport selection. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study was conducted on a purposive sample of 119 youth players (under 13 years) registered with eight clubs affiliated to the Provincial Football League of Souk Ahras, Algeria. Data were collected using the Tutco and Ritchard Sport Motivational Traits Rating Scale, retained after a process of expert review in which the prescribed agreement ratios were applied and the remaining psychological inventories were excluded. The data were submitted to exploratory factor analysis using the principal components method with orthogonal (Varimax) rotation. After the drive and aggression dimensions had been excluded, the analysis yielded two principal psychological factors accounting for the psychological structure underlying selection. The first factor was headed by the trait of trust in others, with a loading of 0.626, and comprised five dimensions (trust in others, mental toughness, conscientiousness, leadership, and determination). The second factor was labelled emotional control, with a loading of 0.773, and comprised four dimensions (emotional control, coachability, responsibility, and self-confidence). These two factors are proposed as a measurement basis and a standardised scientific indicator for the selection and guidance of youth players.