The Relationship Between Level of Competition and Competitive Sport Anxiety in Youth Recreational Soccer Players

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship between level of competition and competitive sport anxiety in youth recreational soccer players. Multidimensional Anxiety Theory served as the conceptual framework for this study. Participants consisted of 76 youth athletes ranging from ages 10-15 who participated in two specific levels of youth soccer: recreational league (beginner) and classic league (advanced). All participants completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 approximately one hour before competing in a game. ANOVA analyses were conducted for each of the competitive anxiety subscales (cognitive and somatic anxiety) and levels of competition. In addition, a univariate analysis was performed on the cognitive anxiety scores, with gender, age group, and soccer level as the fixed factors. Results revealed a significant difference in cognitive A-state anxiety for the classic league participants over the recreational league participants. Univariate analysis results confirmed no significant effect from the interaction between level of competition and gender or level of competition and age for both anxiety subscales.