Beyond the Scoreboard: A Sectional Study on Competitive Sports Anxiety in Football Players

Competitive sports anxiety is a prevalent psychological phenomenon with measurable implications for athlete performance and well-being.The aim of this quantitative study was to determine the prevalence of competitive sports anxiety in football players.The research was conducted during the 2023 season of the Reliance Foundation Development League, which spanned from April to May, utilizing a cross-sectional survey design.A total of 20 national-level football players from Bengaluru Football Club participated in the study, which was facilitated by the Sport Science support staff.Standardized instruments, including the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2), were administered to assess specific dimensions of sports anxiety.In addition, demographic variables and perceived importance were quantitatively measured.Preliminary statistical analyses revealed a mix of Gaussian and non-Gaussian data distributions, prompting the use of non-parametric tests.Correlation analyses indicated significant relationships, including a moderate negative correlation between age and total sports anxiety (r = -0.412,p = 0.045), a moderate positive correlation between perceived importance and total sports anxiety (r = 0.527, p = 0.017), and a strong positive correlation between total sports anxiety and both cognitive anxiety (r = 0.708, p < 0.001) and somatic anxiety (r = 0.665, p < 0.001).This study provides quantitative insights into the prevalence and correlates of competitive sports anxiety in football players.The findings emphasize the need for data-driven interventions targeting age-related concerns, perceived importance, and self-confidence to enhance athlete well-being and performance.Future research should employ longitudinal designs and investigate these variables across a broader range of sports to deepen the quantitative understanding of sports anxiety in competitive contexts.