Motivation of Jakarta State University Soccer Athletes in Preparing Physical Condition for the Campus Soccer League (CSL) Competition

Abstract

An athlete's performance in a competition is determined not only by physical strength, but also by their mental preparedness and motivation. This study aims to determine how motivated soccer athletes at Jakarta State University (UNJ) prepare their physical and mental condition for the Campus Soccer League (CSL) competition. Using descriptive qualitative methods and interviews with five active athletes, it was found that intrinsic motivation, such as the desire to become a professional player, and extrinsic motivation, such as the support of coaches, friends, and family, play a significant role in maintaining training enthusiasm. Furthermore, many athletes demonstrated personal initiative to train additionally outside of the team schedule, despite facing obstacles such as busy class schedules. This demonstrates that physical readiness cannot be separated from mental readiness, as both support each other to achieve peak performance. Social support has also been shown to help maintain athletes' mental health, ensuring focus and confidence. This study concludes that motivation, both internal and external, along with a healthy mental state, are key to optimally preparing athletes for competition.