Dual career through the eyes of university student-athletes in the Republic of Kosovo

Datos Bibliográficos

ID4687907
AutoresMasar Gjaka (0000-0002-4575-2041, University of North Carolina at Charlotte), Kaltrina Feka (0000-0003-1293-7995, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, autor de correspondencia), Antonio Tessitore (0000-0002-3542-0991, Foro Italico University of Rome), Abbey Thomas, Abbey C Thomas (0000-0001-6096-0319, University of North Carolina at Charlotte), Laura Capranica (0000-0003-3073-7655, Foro Italico University of Rome)
Año2024
Volumen6
Páginas1403526-1403526
Fecha de publicación2024-05-14
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaFrontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367
EditorialFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fspor.2024.1403526
PMID38807614
OpenAlexW4396900512
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas6
Referencias citadas45

IntroductionThe successful combination of a sports career and education, known as the dual career, requires cooperation and a multi-dimensional approach. Although extensive research has been conducted on dual career programs and services in developed countries, there is limited information available on the dual-career phenomenon in developing countries. This study aimed to explore the dual career experiences of university student-athletes in the Republic of Kosovo.Materials and methodsA 30-item online survey was distributed to student-athletes, addressing various aspects of the dual career. A total of 121 student-athletes (males: 63.6%; females: 36.4%) voluntarily participated in the survey.ResultsThese student-athletes represented 13 different sports, with 102 (84.3%) participating in team and 19 (15.7%) in individual sports. Between individual and team sports no significant differences were found regarding university and sports engagement, and the time required to travel from the university to the training venue, whereas a significant difference (p = 0.019) emerged for the time needed to travel from home to the training venue. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between university majors in terms of sports engagement. The present findings highlight a lack of familiarity with dual career programs among student-athletes (89.3%) and the need for dual-career policies at the university (16.5%), sport (9.9%), and national (13.2%) levels. Student-athletes faced various challenges, mainly related to limited leisure time (62.8%), academic overload (60.3%), frequent absence from classes (59.6%), and financial uncertainty (35.5%). Recommended improvements included increased financial support (66.1%), the availability of sports facilities at or near the university (48.8%), greater educational flexibility (26.4%), tutoring services at the university (25.6%), and sports clubs (19%) levels, as well as improved communication regarding existing initiatives and legal aspects (53.7% and 47.1%, respectively). The study also identified parents (98.3%), coaches (86%), and siblings (60.3%) as important sources of support for student-athletes at personal, sports, and university levels.ConclusionsIn conclusion, to enhance the potential of future student-athletes in the Republic of Kosovo, relevant stakeholders in sports and higher education should collaborate closely and implement programs and services based on international best practices for dual-career support

Art · Athletes · Dual (grammatical number · Literature · Medical education · Physical therapy · Political science · Athletic Training and Education · Medicine · Psychology · Sport and Mega-Event Impacts · Sports, Gender, and Society