Abstract
Elite boys’ sports schools in South Africa (SA) are always searching for a competitive sporting edge, and providing deserving individuals with sports scholarships is an avenue the schools use to promote their identity. However, schools are first and foremost for education, and there is a need for a more nuanced understanding of the goals set by schools for offering these scholarships and the selection criteria and strategies to achieve these goals. This study aims to investigate the goals and selection criteria for sports scholarships entering elite secondary boys’ schools in SA. Eight in-depth interviews with key stakeholders at four elite boys’ schools in the Western Cape, South Africa, were thematically analyzed to provide an understanding of the goals and selection criteria of their sports scholarships. The results indicate that there are multifaceted reasons for schools offering sports scholarships. These include fostering diversity, enhancing the schools’ sporting profile, and nurturing holistic development among student-athletes. The selection process varies slightly between schools, but academic aptitude, sporting potential, and character traits are key considerations. The Social Exchange (SET) provides a framework to understand these dynamics, suggesting that while students gain educational opportunities and social capital, schools benefit from athletic talent, highlighting the reciprocal nature of these relationships.
Presenters
Christopher EkronStudent, Doctorate in Business and Management Science, Centre for Sport Business and Technology Research, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Sports scholarships, Sports bursaries, Selection criteria, Elite schools, Sports schools
