Chiyuan Ding
Thesis title: Examining the relationship between Emotional Intelligence development and its value in youth football coaching
SPORT, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Year of study: 3
Contact details
- Email: Chiyuan.Ding@ed.ac.uk
PhD supervisor:
Background
Chiyuan is a researcher at the University of Edinburgh specialising in Emotional Intelligence, youth football coaching, and physical education. His research examines the value of Emotional Intelligence and its practical application within youth football coaching, with a particular focus on how emotional competencies associate and contribute to coaching effectiveness and player development. Drawing on more than ten years of experience as a youth football coach, he has observed that effective coaching extends beyond technical and tactical expertise and requires the ability to regulate emotions, build positive relationships, and respond to the psychological and emotional needs of young athletes. These observations align closely with core Emotional Intelligence components, including emotional regulation, emotional appraisal, empathy, and social skills.
Chiyuan holds a Master’s degree in Sport Management from Loughborough University, where his research examined parents’ perceptions of the impact of the Four Corners model of player development within professional youth football academies in England. During this period, he obtained his UEFA B Licence through The FA and worked closely with outfield coaches to design and deliver goalkeeper specific training programmes across the Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase. He currently serves as an elite academy goalkeeper coach in the Foundation and Youth Development Phases at Notts County Football Club, where he continues to support the technical, tactical, and holistic development of young goalkeepers.
Qualifications
MSc Sport Management, Loughborough University, 2019-2020
BSc Hospitality Management, The University of Plymouth, 2006-2009
Research summary
Emotional Intelligence development in sport coaching
Emotional Intelligence interventions and sport coaching
Emotional Intelligence across different phases of youth development in football coaching