Adele Muscat was awarded a Doctor in Philosophy degree by Liverpool John Moores University following her research in the area of football psychology. Her thesis, entitled ‘Preparing Maltese Footballers for Migratory Transitions: An Action Research Study’, focused on the challenges Maltese footballers face when they leave Malta to play football professionally.

During her research, Dr Muscat formulated an action plan to better prepare young players for such transitions, and in particular, when they migrate, using focus groups involving parents and coaches as well as management staff at the National Sport School and the Malta Football Association (MFA). Such preparation helped young players who have recently migrated to be more resilient and cope better with their new and challenging environment.

Dr Muscat’s work in this area is continuing through an Erasmusplus project entitled ‘Preparing Student-Athletes for Transitions’ based on her research, involving the National Sport School.

Dr Muscat’s PhD was funded by the Malta Sport Scholarship Scheme.