Aspiring athletes managing sport, education, social, and family life: A scoping review

Donna Howard; Ivan Jeftic; Paul Goods; Ben Jackson; Caitlin Fox-Harding; Michael Rosenberg

doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2025.09.015

Aspiring athletes managing sport, education, social, and family life: A scoping review

J Sci Med Sport. 2025 Oct 4:S1440-2440(25)00446-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2025.09.015. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Donna Howard¹, Ivan Jeftic², Paul Goods³, Ben Jackson⁴, Caitlin Fox-Harding⁵, Michael Rosenberg²

Affiliations

¹ School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Australia. Electronic address: Donna.howard@research.uwa.edu.au.
² School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Australia.
³ PHysical Activity, Sport and Exercise (PHASE) Research Group, School of Allied Health (Exercise Science), Murdoch University, Australia; The Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Mudoch University, Australia. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/DrPSRGoods.
⁴ School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Australia; The Kids Research Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Australia.
⁵ School of Health and Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia.

PMID: 41109775
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2025.09.015

Abstract

Objectives: This scoping review considers the experiences of aspiring high school-aged athletes as they navigate the complexities of managing sport, education, social, and family life. The review synthesises existing literature on the decisions, barriers, facilitators, and support systems that influence aspiring athletes' pathways.

Design: Systematic scoping review.

Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, four databases were searched (SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo, CINAHL), and studies involving aspiring high school aged athletes were uploaded to Covidence.

Results: Across the four databases 1781 studies were identified through abstract screening and 61 of these studies were used for the final review. Despite the significant commitment that many young athletes devote to their sporting endeavours, the transition from aspiring to elite athlete remains challenging, with only a small percentage achieving elite status. Key findings indicate that aspiring athletes often prioritise their athletic identity over academic and social pursuits, leading to potential risks in personal development. The reviewed literature also highlights the importance of personal skills, the role of key influencers such as parents and coaches, and systemic support from educational and sport organisations.

Conclusions: In this review we highlight the need for a clearer definition of an aspiring athlete to enhance the comparability and synthesis of future research, and to facilitate a more systematic understanding of this population. Addressing these gaps will support the development of targeted support systems and interventions, whereas direct improvements in athlete wellbeing will require comprehensive approaches that address developmental pathways, systemic support, and individual needs.

Keywords: Athlete lifestyle; Athletic identity; Dual career; Student athlete and pre-elite athlete; Support systems.

Publication types

Review