Social and Physical Consequences of Sports Injuries in Youth Sports : Social Support and Injury Management in Sports – A Qualitative Study

The purpose of this study was to examine how social support affects injured youth athletes' rehabilitation and return to sports. To address this aim, three research questions were posed: How do youth athletes experience social support from family and friends during their injury period? How does the relationship with coaches influence their return to sports? What improvements can be made within sports clubs to enhance injury management? The study utilized semi-structured interviews with six individuals who had previously been active in organized sports and experienced an injury requiring an extended break. The interview material was analyzed using qualitative content analysis, where themes and patterns were identified to understand how different social factors impacted injury recovery. The results indicate that social support from family and friends played a crucial role in the injured athlete's mental and physical recovery, whereas support from coaches was often perceived as insufficient. Many participants expressed that sports clubs lacked clear protocols on how to include and support injured players during rehabilitation. The conclusion is that social support is a key factor in a positive rehabilitation experience. To improve injury management in youth sports, it is recommended that coaches and sports clubs establish clearer guidelines and proactive support measures for injured athletes.