Investigating coaching strategies for creating a motivational climate among youth sport participations in Hong Kong: a qualitative study

This qualitative study investigates coaching strategies that shape motivational climates for youth sports participation in Hong Kong, addressing gaps in non-Western contexts. Grounded in the theory of empowering coaching, the research explores how coaches’ practices influence athletes’ psychological well-being and engagement. Semi-structured interviews with 30 coaches across five sports (basketball, tennis, hockey, dragon boat, rugby) were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Empowering climates were characterised by showing understanding (e.g., empathy, off-pitch engagement), providing specific feedback, well-managed training (goal setting, individualised plans), blending in with players (role modelling, shared participation), and appropriate encouragement (praise, autonomy support). Conversely, disempowering climates stemmed from a hard-approach mindset (scolding, punishment), biased treatment (favouritism), dominance (one-way communication), purposeless training, and shifting responsibility (blaming athletes). Findings underscored cultural nuances, such as hierarchical norms conflicting with autonomy-supportive strategies, and highlighted differences between team and individual sport coaching approaches. Younger coaches prioritised relational trust, while part-time coaches often lacked formal training, impacting climate quality. The study emphasises the need for coach education programs in Hong Kong to integrate empowering strategies–such as fostering autonomy, task-involving goals, and social support–while mitigating disempowering behaviours. These insights contribute to global discourse on motivational climates, offering practical pathways to sustain youth sport participation amidst academic pressures and cultural challenges.