Addressing Problematic Transitions Encountered in Sports Retirement

This study presents a comprehensive exploration into the problematic transitions encountered by professional footballers retiring in Ireland. Although sport and in particular professional football may offer a lucrative and very attractive lifestyle during a playing career, the research here suggests the transition phase and retirement from the game causes serious and significant obstacles for the individual. Positive transitions as the research suggests, can be achieved in a number of ways. Firstly, through the engagement of the player in pre-retirement supports around second careers, pre-retirement counselling, internships or degrees. Secondly, coupling the pre-retirement supports with transition programs, which offer real time supports for the athlete within the immediate time-frame of their decision to retire.