Description
S&C is a relatively new coaching profession in the UK. Within the UK, the integration and impact of S&C are often undervalued. It is a typical requirement for S&C coaches, even at the semi-professional level, to have the highest qualifications, such as an MSc in S&C and international accreditation (e.g., UKSCA, NSCA). Yet, expectations of long hours and remuneration as low as minimum wage are prevalent within elite sports. There is a trend for more experienced S&C coaches to change professions due to the impact such a lifestyle has on their personal life and well-being. Although there have been calls to align wages as well as work expectations with other sports science professions (e.g., sports psychology), this is still in its infancy. The value S&C creates, realised in athletes’ potential, benefits the organisation or clubs (e.g., the value of football players is increased); this discrepancy Marx termed “Surplus Value”. This study aims to understand the lived experiences of the first author (who has 14 years’ experience working as an S&C coach in elite sport) and how he navigated creating surplus value through a pursuit of his own surplus enjoyment (the process of always chasing something that has perceived value and then being disappointed – like progressing in your S&C career). This study outlines three critical themes: (1) I am enjoying it – so what? (2) I cannot pay rent with nice words and t-shirts? and (3) Would I do it all again? Probably yes. We draw on Marxist and Žižek’s principles to problematise these findings and situate these within the current context of the S&C coaching profession, leading to some critical applied suggestions that focus on the well-being of S&C coaches, including steps to align value with current demands.Key words: Marxist theory, strength and conditioning coaching, surplus value, surplus enjoyment
| Period | 11 Jun 2026 |
|---|---|
| Event title | CriC 8th International Coaching Conference |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Sterling , United KingdomShow on map |
Keywords
- Marxist theory, strength and conditioning coaching, surplus value, surplus enjoyment