An examination of leadership style and player -coach relationships in college-level soccer programs

This study of leadership style and player-coach relationships in the college level soccer programs focused on five intercollegiate soccer coaches and 15 senior student athletes in four universities in San Antonio, Texas. The purpose of the study was to examine what role leadership style and player-coach relationships have in college-level soccer programs. It is important to find out the characteristics of effective leadership styles within the organizational structure for developing a successful college-level soccer team and program. This information then can be used in setting up college soccer programs in Taiwan. This study employed the method of triangulation within a qualitative research model. The results of the historical literature review, Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) survey, and data from the interview questions provided the factors for the triangulation process. Results from the qualitative analysis indicated that the coaches viewed themselves as using a collaborative leadership style while valuing good communication skills as an important factor for success. Results from the supportive quantitative survey revealed that the collaborative coaches scored high in the areas of inspiration motivation, contingent reward, and effectiveness. The review of literature supported the findings of both research methods.