Transitions, trajectories, terminations: exploring career pathways of children and young people in high-performance sport using LEGO® Serious Play®

This study explores how to better support the social and psychological impacts of career transition upon children and young people (CYP). The study navigates these challenges using the creative methodology of LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP). Data was collected from 18 young male athletes in the academy system of an English Premier League (EPL) Association Football club. Findings provide insight into better understanding the nuanced, every day, lived experiences of young athletes within high-performance sport environments. This study contributes new knowledge for leisure through the creation of the ‘Career Transition for Children and Young People (CYP) in High Performance Sport Matrix.

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Publication Details

Journal
Leisure Studies
Published
2026-04-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2026.2664682
Primary Topic
Sport Psychology and Performance
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Transitions, trajectories, terminations: exploring career pathways of children and young people in high-performance sport using LEGO® Serious Play®

Holly Henderson, Richard Shipway
Leisure Studies
Sport Psychology and Performance
article

Transitions, trajectories, terminations: exploring career pathways of children and young people in high-performance sport using LEGO® Serious Play®

Holly Henderson, Richard Shipway
article en

Abstract

This study explores how to better support the social and psychological impacts of career transition upon children and young people (CYP). The study navigates these challenges using the creative methodology of LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP). Data was collected from 18 young male athletes in the academy system of an English Premier League (EPL) Association Football club. Findings provide insight into better understanding the nuanced, every day, lived experiences of young athletes within high-performance sport environments. This study contributes new knowledge for leisure through the creation of the ‘Career Transition for Children and Young People (CYP) in High Performance Sport Matrix.

Leisure Studies
University of Birmingham (GB), Bournemouth University (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Sport Psychology and Performance
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