Evaluation of a Career Assistance Program for Youth-Aged Cricketers

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a career assistance program for youth-aged male cricketers. Prior to and immediately following a 14-week program an experimental and control group of under 17 male cricketers were administered the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale, Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (Identity Foreclosure) Scale, and Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI). The experimental group reported significant improvements in career goal decidedness, assistance with specific career skills, increased confidence and decision-making ability, increased awareness of career options, and increased awareness of a need for a career outside sport. The preliminary evidence supports career assistance programming among youth-aged athletes.