Creative Bricks, Endless Possibilities: Using Lego® Serious Play® (LSP) to Manage Player Transition in Women’s Semi-Elite Association Football in England

Abstract

This study uses the Lego® Serious Play® (LSP) methodology to explore the lived experiences and inequalities facing women’s participation in semi-elite association football in England. The study uniqueness is using Lego® Serious Play® to provide nuanced, abstract insights into leisure. It investigates how women navigate the transition process, both into and out of semiprofessional sporting environments. By adopting a creative, experiential methodology, the focal point is the Lego® and not the footballer. Data was collected from fifteen women football players based at a semi-elite club in the South of England. Three key data themes emerged surrounding the transition process in the women’s game; (i) barriers facing women in male-dominated sports, (ii) governance and polices to support women’s football, and (iii) effective coaching to facilitate women’s progression in sport. This is the first study to use Lego® Serious Play® as a creative, experiential methodology in the context of managing sport organizations.