Author(s): TOKAIRIN, T., TOKAIRIN, Y., Institution: JOSAI UNIVERSITY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1588

Background
Japanese university soccer has a long tradition, and today the level of the sport is increasing dramatically. Every year many universities produce a significant number of players who go on to play professionally and for the Japanese national team. University soccer is not only a competitive sport, but as part of an educational institution it is also required to contribute to society and to help students grow as individuals. University soccer clubs conduct a range of activities both on and off the pitch, and are considered effective for both athletic and educational development.

Objective
The purpose of this study is to elucidate the effects of university soccer clubs off-the-pitch activities on their players life skills and performance.

Methods
Subjects in this study were student players in the Kanto University Soccer League during three seasons (2021: n=96, 2022: n=97, 2023: n=86) (age range 18-23). Off-the-pitch programs throughout the year included soccer events for boys and girls, and outdoor activities. We conducted correlation analysis based on the subscales of the Life Skills Scale for Athletes (Shimamoto et al., 2013).

Results
In the 2021 season, correlations were found in the "goal setting skills" and "best effort" (r=0.554, p<0.001) life skills, and additionally in the 2022 season (r=0.513, p<0.001) in "thinking ability" (r=0.555, p<0.001). The same was true for the 2023 season (in order: r=0.564, p<0.001: r=0.525, p<0.001). The team was promoted to the Kanto University Second Division League in the 2021 season, demoted in the 2022 season, and promoted again in the 2023 season.

Discussion
In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the correlation between “thinking ability" and "goal setting” increased. Implementing a student-centered program led to improvement in students ability to think, plan, and execute independently. Due to the competitive nature of soccer, improvement of these abilities is thought to be related to performance improvement.

References
Shimamoto , K., Tokairin , Y., Murakami , K., Ishi , M. (2013)Appraisal of Required Life Skills for Athletes : A Scale Development on College Student Sport Psychology Research. 40(1):13-30.