9 The Role of Theme in Middle-Grade Soccer Fiction Books: Community Vs. Individuality

Due to the increasing popularity of soccer in the United States, there is a rising call for soccer literature for youth. Previous research on youth sports literature has indicated that these topic-centered books can have a significant influence on children’s engagement in reading, as well as their interest in the sport itself. In a larger study of youth sports literature, we examined a corpus of fictional middle grade soccer books to determine typical characteristics, possible patterns, and significant relationships between them. Using a pre-determined codebook with a set of a priori categories, each book was coded by two research team members and final codes were agreed upon. Within this analysis, we used descriptive statistics to specifically consider the types of themes appearing, and how theme interacted with other book characteristics including author, main character, secondary character, coach, and team characteristics. Out of six possible thematic codes, over two-thirds of the books were coded as having one of two themes: Individuality or Community. Given the contradictory nature of these two themes, further analysis was conducted to identify significant trends in book characteristics for books with a theme of either Individuality or Community.

Results indicated that theme strongly predicted the following:

1. Likelihood of identifying ethnic diversity of secondary characters. Community-themed soccer books were more likely to identify secondary characters as being ethnically diverse.
2. Likelihood that the coach had a positive attitude toward the main character All coaches in individuality-themed soccer books were identified as being “exceptional coaches” (e.g., being involved with the players outside of games and practices through helping with outside issues in players’ home life, school life, etc.) Coaches in community-themed books were less likely to be identified in this way. 
3. Likelihood of strong soccer-related work ethic of the main character. Individuality-themed books were more likely to have main characters that were identified as “hard-working” soccer players (e.g., practicing on their own to get better, trying hard to develop a skill.) Main characters in community-themed books were rarely described in this manner. 
4. Likelihood of centering on a highly ranked soccer team. Individuality-themed books were more likely to center on teams that were specifically described as highly ranked within their league. 
5. Likelihood that the coach is male-identifying. Individuality-themed books were more likely to include male-identifying coach characters. 

This analysis of theme indicates that there are important social-cultural implications for the current corpus of soccer fiction books available to middle school students. The trend for books with individuality themes is to focus on hard-working soccer players on highly ranked teams, being coached by male-identifying coaches who are often involved in the player’s life beyond the soccer field, and with less identification of ethnic diversity in the community around them. This trend might illustrate a more ‘idealistic’ portrayal of youth soccer, which is therefore unrealistic and thus could be less engaging to all readers interested in soccer. On the other hand, books with community-focused themes frequently consider the broader scope of the player’s world. They tend to include authentic struggles that any given middle schooler could be dealing with, not necessarily related to soccer, including relational difficulties (in family, friend, or mentor relationships) and difficulties in finding a sense of belonging. These trends could suggest to children certain criteria in determining their self- worth, capabilities, and potential in general, as well as in the context of athletics (soccer.) Future research in youth soccer literature should consider how these patterns are received by students and the implications of these messages. Educators and families would benefit from a better understanding of these possible implications.