Where have I ended up? Migratory experiences of coaches in the Arabian Peninsula

Abstract

Countries in the Arabian Peninsula use professional sports as a catalyst for their development and/or as a way of sportswashing. To enhance their sporting level, they have brought in coaches from other countries. This study explores the migratory experiences of six Spanish football coaches in the region, using an abductive thematic analysis. The results are organized into three themes: Pre-migration, Post-migration, and Mental Health. Migration motives are identified (e.g., socio-labour conditions in the home country, desire for professional advancement), adaptation facilitators (e.g., previous migration experiences, geographical proximity), and barriers (e.g., club, culture, language). Regarding mental health, threats are highlighted (e.g., separation from their environment, cultural differences) and protective strategies (e.g., maintaining contact with their home environment, setting boundaries on cultural adaptation). This study highlights the need for organizations to take responsibility for facilitating coaches’ cultural transitions both before and after migration. It is recommended that future research explores how coaches’ personal and sociocultural characteristics impact their cultural transition and mental health, the role of clubs in this process, and the experiences of female coaches.