TABLE 3.

Higher and lower order themes by phase.

Phase	Higher order themes	Lower order themes
Academy phase	Pressure of contract decision	Stress
		Motivation
	Adaptation to men’s football	Playing style
		Physicality
		Decision making
	Preparation for first team	Learning the demands
		Social adaptation
		Individual preparation
First team phase	First team environment	Social dynamic
		Organizational support
		First team demands
		Belonging
	Opportunity	Training experiences
		Loan opportunities
	Coping	Internal: Psychology/mindset
		External: Support network