Preparing for life beyond sport: dual career awareness, developmental environment, and future orientation in...

Adolescence represents a crucial developmental stage for career construction and future orientation, particularly among young athletes who demonstrate a high level of commitment to elite sport. However, empirical evidence regarding the preparatory phase of dual career during this stage remains limited. The aim of the present study was to explore how the personality traits of secondary school handball players, their sport career aspirations, their parallel educational ambitions, and their perceived developmental environment contribute to their career construction, and how these factors are reflected in the coaches' perceptions. The sample consisted of 507 registered secondary school handball players (M = 16.36 ± 2.19 years) and 279 coaches (M = 44.60 ± 12.74 years). Data were collected using the Erasmus+ DC4AC questionnaire. Descriptive statistical indicators and independent two sample t-tests were applied during the analysis. The results indicate that athletes perceive themselves as curious, confident, and relatively prepared for life after sport, and at the same time reporting lower levels of concern regarding their future and dual career issues. Respondents perceive developmental practices primarily as oriented toward physical and sport-specific development, while psychological, academic, and social dimensions receive less emphasis. Significant perceptual differences were identified between athletes and coaches, particularly regarding preparedness and holistic development and gender differences revealed additional nuances in future orientation and developmental priorities (p < 0.05). The findings highlight the importance of a holistic and institutionally supported dual career approach in adolescent talent development sport, which may strengthen career adaptability and reduce risks associated with a one-sided athletic identity.