ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
Motivation plays a crucial role in the process of learning, particularly in the field of language acquisition. Research has consistently shown that motivated learners demonstrate greater success in mastering new languages. For young athletes, especially football players, proficiency in English is increasingly vital as it serves as the global language of communication in sports, encompassing areas such as interviews, contracts, and academic advancement. At Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Football Academy, students must balance rigorous athletic training with academic responsibilities, making English learning both relevant and necessary. However, their motivation to learn the language may differ due to factors such as personal interest, external incentives, or a lack of perceived relevance. This study aims to examine the types and levels of motivation—specifically intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation—among young footballers at JDT Academy, and to explore how these motivational factors influence their English language acquisition. Findings from this study are expected to provide valuable insights for educators, coaches, and curriculum designers in developing more effective English learning programs tailored to the needs of athlete-students.
Baharudin, S. N. A., Dickson, M., Zulkifli, N. N., Selamat, N. I., & Chin, T. Y. (2024). What motivates UNITAR students to learn the English language? International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v13-i4/23079
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Cervantes, C. M., Hemphill, M. A., & Correia, M. E. (2015). Integrating sports into ESL instruction: Language learning through content-based instruction. Journal of Language and Literacy Education, 11(2), 1–14.
Csizér, K., & Dörnyei, Z. (2005). The internal structure of language learning motivation and its relationship with language choice and learning effort. The Modern Language Journal, 89(1), 19-36. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0026-7902.2005.00263.x
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01
Dörnyei, Z. (2005). The psychology of the language learner: Individual differences in second language acquisition. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Dörnyei, Z., & Ushioda, E. (2011). Teaching and researching motivation. Pearson Education.
Gardner, R. C. (1985). Social Psychology and Second Language Learning: The Role of Attitudes and Motivation. Edward Arnold.
Han, X., Gao, Y., & Li, M. (2020). English language motivation of student-athletes in China: A case study of perceived usefulness and engagement. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, 9(4), 95–102. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.9n.4p.95
Muir, E. (2008). Sport and language learning: Motivating and empowering learners through football. Language Learning Journal, 36(2), 139-152. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571730802294452
Noels, K. A., Pelletier, L. G., Clément, R., & Vallerand, R. J. (2000). Why are you learning a second language? Motivational orientations and self-determination theory. Language Learning, 50(1), 57–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/0023-8333.00111
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2002). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Selvarajoo, P. C. B., Thomeeran, H., Ghazali, N. H. M., & Ganesen, D. (2024). The Effectiveness of Using Technology in Learning English among Secondary School Students in The Endemic Phase. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(6). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v14-i6/21762
Ushioda, E. (2011). Language learning motivation, self and identity: Current theoretical perspectives. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 24(3), 199–210. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2010.538701
Wong, B. E. (2016). Instrumental motivation and English language proficiency: A study of Malaysian secondary school students. Journal of Education and Learning, 5(3), 50–60. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v5n3p50
Abdullah, M. N. Bin, & Chin, T. Y. (2025). The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in English Language Acquisition among Young Football Athletes. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 14(4), 2519–2536.
Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode