Two worlds, one goal: a qualitative study of academics' perceptions of student-athletes

This study investigates the challenges faced by university academics (lecturing staff) in supporting student-athletes, with particular attention to the context of small island nations where sporting pathways are still evolving. It also explores their views and awareness of existing support structures, as well as their recommendations for improving institutional support.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 university academics across 11 faculties in Malta. Participants were selected using purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to explore the range of perceived challenges and support needs.

The study revealed that academics faced multiple challenges in supporting student-athletes, including unawareness of student-athletes in their classes, difficulty balancing academic requirements with student-athletes' needs, mental health concerns, and cultural and generational differences. Academics recommended enhancing support systems through increased inter-faculty dialogue, targeted training, incentives for sport mentors, greater university support, a balance of student-athletes' rights and obligations, and the promotion of the student-athlete support programme.

Findings underscore the necessity of culturally sensitive, adaptable, and integrated frameworks to accommodate both athletic and academic demands. The research highlights the importance of enhanced support for academics and student-athletes in psychologically informed environments, particularly in small nations such as Malta, where unique cultural and sporting constraints exist. These insights offer valuable contributions to both theory and practice in the development of sport and education policy and support.