Thomas, Suzanne (2026) Exploring the Culture of Coaching in North Vancouver Secondary Schools. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
![[img]](https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
Thomas_S_MA_Thesis.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License CC-BY-NC-ND Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (1MB) |
Abstract
Public school athletics programs in Canada rely almost entirely on unpaid volunteers. In the context of rising living costs and the increasing demands of modern life, this study examines what motivates individuals to dedicate substantial time to volunteer coaching and how schools can better recruit and retain them. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of secondary school volunteer coaches in the public school district of North Vancouver, British Columbia. Using semi-structured interviews, it explores both the motivations that drive these volunteers and the challenges they encounter while sustaining athletic programs without financial compensation. Fifteen participants were interviewed, with coaching experience in the district ranging from three seasons to more than fifty seasons. Through qualitative data analysis, several key themes emerged: motivations for volunteering, the changing nature of coaching and its associated challenges, and issues of retention and sustainability. Findings indicate that volunteer coaches are primarily motivated by a love of sport and the rewarding relationships they form with student-athletes. Although time pressures and other stressors influence their experiences, the critical factor driving volunteers to step away is ineffective leadership support— particularly a lack of trust and respect. The study findings suggest that volunteers should be more highly valued and supported, with emphasis placed on trusting their judgment and expertise. Doing so is essential to sustaining school sport programs and ensuring positive experiences for both coaches and student-athletes.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1603 Secondary Education. High schools |
| Divisions: | Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations |
| Identification Number: | https://doi.org/10.82227/repository.uwtsd.ac.uk.00004177 |
| Depositing User: | Victoria Hankinson |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Apr 2026 08:56 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Apr 2026 09:18 |
| URI: | https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/4177 |
Administrator Actions (login required)
 |
Edit Item - Repository Staff Only |