Sport Physiology & Management Investigations

Sport Physiology & Management Investigations

Designing a pattern of factors affecting the development of Iranian grassroots football

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Saleh Ahmadi 1
Hossein Rajabi Noush Abadi 2
Meisam Allahmoradi 3
1 PhD student in Sport Management, Department of Physical Education, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/spmi.2024.410895.2511
Abstract
 
Grassroots football is regarded as a key pillar of player development and serves as the foundation for supporting adult teams across various age groups. This study aims to design a model of the factors influencing the development of grassroots football in Iran. The research adopts a qualitative and applied methodology, following Strauss and Corbin’s approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved (n = 20). Using MAXQDA software, 120 codes were extracted from the interview transcripts. After expert review and code refinement, 32 distinct and recurring codes were selected. Through open and axial coding, the results identified 32 conceptual codes, categorized into: Structural factors (6 elements: facilities and equipment, infrastructure, safety, hygiene, standardization, and accessibility), Management factors (4 elements: planning, organizing, communicating, and monitoring/evaluating), and Human factors (6 elements: psychology, individual characteristics, culture, behavior, trainers’ knowledge, and grassroots football management).           
Keywords
Development model
Football development
Grassroots football
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