Passion a key for success: Exploring motivational factors in football players

Abstract

The principal aim of the present study was to investigate whether passion, grit and mindset differ between distinct levels of football competence in two football teams - elite and junior teams. We compared the 30% highest scoring (HFC) and the 30% lowest scoring groups (LFC) of football competence using the trainer's rankings among two teams from west part of Norway. The results showed that the HFC groups scored significant higher on the passion scale than the LFC groups. That was the case for both teams. There was no difference between the groups for grit or mindset total scores. These results may indicate the important role of passion for achievement and for becoming a good football player.