Speakers
Description
Within the contexts of New Zealand and Norway, where an increased number of private actors in sport are observed, we ask the research question: What should we call a young football player, based on their relationship with the organization that provide sport for them? We apply an institutional perspective on neoliberalism and a case study design with qualitative data from various actors’ internet sites. Temporary analysis from football – rugby in New Zealand and soccer in Norway – reveals a rise of the market sector’s influence on mainstream sport (which in these countries is traditionally provided by voluntary and democratic organizations) and a process of commodification of young athletes. More specifically, with more private actors in the football field, the athlete can be considered (i) a customer that pay for services (i.e. training sessions); and/or (ii) have a contracted relationship with an organization (be employed and make a living – sometimes big money – out of being and athlete); (iii) the athlete can also – due to the same contract with an organization – be considered a product for sale and purchase. These observations stand in contrast to the view of an athlete as a member with democratic rights in organizations and counting on voluntarily conducted activity provision to play their sport; and in contrast to viewing the athlete as a citizen of the public sector with the inherited rights and duties.
