"It is like a little journey”: Deaf international futsal players’ and coaches' experiences in collaborative blended learning

The aim of this study was twofold, firstly, to explore the challenges and successes faced by deaf international futsal players when using a collaborative blended learning (CBL) approach in preparation for a major competition, and, secondly, to provide a discussion of key coaching lessons learned to inspire coaches to consider how to best develop their ‘little journeys’. Data were collected from 12 players via six semi-structured focus groups, along with 36 reflective diaries maintained by the two researchers (who held the role of ‘Joint Head Coach’ and ‘Performance Analyst’), using a critical participatory action research (CPAR) methodological approach. Data collection and analysis were an on-going and cyclical process during the seven-month study. Four key themes were identified: ‘a little journey: a connected approach to learning’, ‘ownership, collaboration and connection’, ‘communication barriers and fear of misinterpretation’ and ‘players’ initial ‘buy-in’ to the constructivist approach to learning’. Key coaching lessons highlighted the need for a flexible and ‘connected’ approach to learning. Here, through our learning in-action and on-action, we often found ourselves as ‘social’ managers in trying to explore inter-relational complexities and support individuals to build trust, an aspect seen by players as crucial for actively developing CBL within the group