Exploring the Experiences of Racial Trauma among Footballers

Abstract

Background: The widespread and increasing number of reports of racism at all levels of football in the UK highlights the pervasiveness of the issue. Given the negative impact that racism has on mental health, it was crucial to explore footballers' experiences to identify areas where they could be better supported. Existing studies highlight a gap in research concentrating on how footballers experience and deal with racial trauma. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of racial trauma among eight male semi-professional and professional footballers from ethnically diverse communities (EDCs). Participants were recruited for the study through purposive and snowball sampling. Findings: The research was grounded in a critical realist epistemological perspective and employed a Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) within the DSM-5 Framework. This analysis highlighted three key themes: racist events, psychological impact, and enhancing support and addressing racial trauma in footballers. Subsequently, eleven sub-themes emerged, revealing that racial trauma negatively impacts players' mental health, intensifying symptoms closely associated with PTSD. Conclusion and Implications: The results were examined with existing research to assess their potential impact on football clubs, mental health services, and policies. The study also offers suggestions for further research and recommendations for supporting players who have experienced racial trauma.