Determining the Influence of Coaches, Parents, and Stakeholders on the Development of Youth Football: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

Background. The development of youth football is significantly influenced by collaborative coaches, parents, and stakeholders, who play a pivotal role in shaping athletes’ experiences and long-term engagement. Coaches provide structured training, emotional support, and discipline, while parents offer guidance without undue pressure. Stakeholders, including authorities and governing bodies, ensure governance, resources, and policy frameworks. Their collaboration fosters skill development, psychological growth, and sustained athletic success. Objectives. This study aimed to examine the impact of coaches, parents, and stakeholders on the development of youth football, highlighting their contributions and the importance of collaborative frameworks. Materials and methods. A quantitative research design was employed, collecting data from young male footballers in Gimbi Administrative Town, Ethiopia. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess the perspectives of coaches, parents, and stakeholders, with reliability coefficients of (α = 0.796, 0.817, and 0.752), respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis at a 0.05 significance level. Results. The findings revealed that coaching had the most significant impact on youth football development (β = 0.799, p < 0.001), followed by stakeholder involvement (β = 0.514, p = 0.049), while parental engagement played a supporting role (β = 0.266, p = 0.032). A strong positive correlation was found between coaching and youth football success (r = 0.843, p < 0.01). Parental involvement showed a moderate to strong positive correlation (r = 0.695, p < 0.05), while stakeholder support exhibited a moderate correlation (r = 0.677, p < 0.01). The ANOVA results confirmed significant differences in stakeholder, parental, and coaches’ perspectives on football development (F = 47.724, p < 0.001). Conclusions. The study underscores the vital roles of coaches, stakeholders, and parents in youth football development, advocating for better coaching education, stakeholder investment, and balanced parental involvement. Strong collaboration is key to a sustainable and holistic development model.