Exploring Challenges, Resources and Support Networks in Access to Higher-Level Sports Meets for Hinterland Athletes: A Qualitative Study from the Lens of Teacher –Coaches

This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the challenges, available resources, and support networks influencing access to higher-level sports meets for hinterland athletes, as experienced by teacher–coaches. Specifically, the study sought to understand how teacher–coaches navigate structural and environmental constraints while facilitating athletes’ participation in competitive sports events.
The research was conducted in selected hinterland schools in the New Corella District, Division of Davao del Norte, Philippines.
Participants were purposively selected teacher–coaches who were directly involved in training athletes and coordinating their participation in sports competitions. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and meanings from their lived experiences.
Findings revealed that teacher–coaches faced multiple interconnected challenges, including limited sports facilities and equipment, financial constraints, geographical isolation, transportation difficulties, and insufficient institutional support.
Despite these barriers, significant forms of support emerged through the personal commitment and resourcefulness of teacher–coaches, collaborative efforts with fellow coaches, support from school administrators and parents, and assistance from local communities and local government units.
These coping mechanisms and support systems played a crucial role in sustaining athletes’ participation in higher-level sports meets.
The study concludes that equitable access to competitive sports opportunities for hinterland athletes requires strengthened institutional policies, improved resource allocation, and enhanced multi-sectoral collaboration to support teacher–coaches in resource-limited contexts.

hinterland athletes; teacher–coaches; higher-level sports meet; phenomenology; institutional support

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