TRANSNATIONALISM AND PROFESSIONAL COACHES' MIGRATION PROCESSES: : A SYSTEMATIC MAPPING REVIEW

The aim of this work is to study the existing knowledge on migratory processes in professional coaches. To achieve this, a systematic mapping review of existing literature was conducted. The systematic search extended up to August 31, 2023, with no date or language restrictions established. Twenty-one studies were selected and analyzed, examining their objectives, design, and sample characteristics from three different migratory perspectives (i.e., emigrant, immigrant, and mixed). In the synthesis of the results of the included studies, it was observed that the majority of coaches were positive about migration and recommended it to others due to the personal and professional benefits it entails. However, difficulties were also found at both personal (e.g., loss of social ties) and professional (e.g., training standards and sports culture) levels upon arrival in the new country and adapting to the new sociocultural context. Future research should pay specific attention to female coaches, who have received less attention thus far, explore the impact of cultural transition on the mental health of coaches, and analyze similarities and differences between the migratory processes of athletes and coaches.