About
Associate Professor Sam Elliott is an academic at Flinders University's College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, specializing in sport parenting, youth sport participation, and psychosocial outcomes. He holds a PhD (2014) and dual Bachelor degrees in Education and Health Science (2010/2011). His research focuses on parental involvement in youth sport, mental health in sport contexts, and strategies to retain youth participation. He has attracted over $2.65M in grants and consultancies, and leads the Youth Sport Research Lab supervising 8 PhD students and 1 Honours student.
- Education:
- PhD in 2014
- Bachelor of Education Honours (1A) 2011
- Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Education (Middle & Secondary) 2010
His research interests include parental behavior in youth sport, mental health promotion in clubs, and the sociocultural factors influencing sport retention. Key studies explore psychological abuse in youth sport, parent-club interactions, and re-engagement of female adolescents in sport. His work spans qualitative methodologies and policy interventions.
He is a co-host of the Beyond the Club podcast and holds roles as Head of Development at West Adelaide Football Club and Deputy-Director of Flinders' Mental Health and Wellbeing Institute. Awards include the 2022 South Australian Young Tall Poppy Science Award and multiple teaching excellence accolades.
