Research on Educational Sport

Identification of Effective Solutions in Managing the Relations Between the Partners of Basic Football Schools and the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

mohammad Zare Abandansari 1
Farzad Nobakht 2
Mehrdad moharramzadeh 3
Naghizadeh-baghi Abbas 3

1 PhD Student, Department of Sport Management, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

3 Sports Management Department, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22089/res.2024.16067.2468
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
Grassroots football schools and the national Football Federation represent two pivotal institutions in the development and cultivation of young football talent within Iran. While football schools primarily focus on foundational training and education of young players, the Football Federation assumes strategic oversight and advancement of football at the national level. Effective management of the relationship between these entities is critical to achieving shared objectives such as talent identification, player development, and the overall progression of football in the country.
Given the importance of grassroots football in fostering not only athletic skills but also values such as teamwork, respect, and fair play, it is essential that football schools meet the expectations of their primary stakeholders, namely families and young players. Customer satisfaction in this context translates into sustained engagement and continued utilization of football school services, which is vital for the long-term health and vitality of the sport. One of the most significant contributors to enhancing this process is the effective management of partnerships between football schools and the Football Federation. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify effective solutions for managing these relationships to strengthen the development pipeline for Iranian football.
 Methods
This applied research employed a qualitative, descriptive phenomenological approach to deeply explore the subject matter. The study population consisted of twenty-three purposively selected participants, including university faculty specializing in sports management, marketing and sports marketing experts, senior managers from the Football Federation and Premier League clubs, professional players and coaches, commercial sponsors, and football fans. Inclusion criteria focused on individuals with direct experience or expertise relevant to the topic, while those unwilling to participate or unable to provide comprehensive information were excluded.
Data were collected via semi-structured interviews lasting between thirty and forty-five minutes. Sampling continued until data saturation was reached, ensuring comprehensive capture of diverse perspectives. Data analysis followed Collaizi’s (1978) method, with MAXQDA software facilitating systematic review and categorization. Research rigor was maintained through criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.
 Results
Analysis demonstrated that effective management of partnerships between grassroots football schools and the Football Federation is indispensable for advancing football in Iran. Sixty-two sub-themes emerged, grouped into eight overarching themes: establishment and enforcement of clear rules and regulations (including mandatory credentialed coaching and FIFA statute adherence); continuous supervision and evaluation by federation inspectors and provincial boards to ensure quality and compliance; collaborative planning and development of youth football curricula and support for coach education; motivational initiatives to inspire young players and recognize achievements, fostering long-term engagement; provision of resources and support to schools, including facilitating pathways for elite talents; clear financial frameworks encompassing tuition, sports insurance, and educational program funding; comprehensive athlete data documentation and archiving systems for tracking progress and talent identification; and enhancement of communication via virtual platforms, bilateral interactions, and media coverage of grassroots competitions.
Key solutions included mandatory certified coaching, athlete insurance, transparent tuition policies, year-round school operations, continuous evaluation, cooperative planning, media partnerships, financial support, and robust information management.
 Discussion
Grassroots football academies form the foundational bedrock of football development in Iran, crucial for identifying and nurturing talent. Their effectiveness significantly influences the future success of national and club teams. The Football Federation, as supervisory authority, must foster purposeful, effective communication and collaboration with these academies. Implementing identified strategies can yield greater synergy, improving qualitative and quantitative outcomes in player development and elevating football standards nationally.
 Conclusion
Effective management of the relationship between grassroots football schools and the Football Federation is essential for sustainable football development in Iran. By adopting strategies spanning regulatory, educational, motivational, financial, and communicative dimensions, stakeholders can enhance cooperation, maximize young player potential, and ensure the satisfaction of all involved in the football ecosystem.
Article Message
This study’s findings indicate that advancing grassroots football in Iran fundamentally depends on establishing a comprehensive and systematic framework managing the relationship between the Football Federation and grassroots football schools. Policy coherence, strategic alignment, regulatory and support mechanisms, and strengthened mutual interactions collectively optimize talent identification, enhance organizational efficiency, and facilitate sustainable development goals within the grassroots football system.
Ethical Considerations
In accordance with ethical research principles, study objectives and significance were explained prior to interviews. Participation was fully voluntary, with informed consent obtained from all participants.
Authors’ Contributions
All authors equally contributed to the design, conduct, and preparation of this research.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
 Acknowledgments
The authors thank all participants for their valuable time and contributions.
 

Keywords

Talent Search, Monitoring and Evaluation, Financial Support, Training, Support

Subjects

 
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Research on Educational Sport
Volume 13, Issue 40
November 2025
Pages 17-34

  • Receive Date 17 December 2023
  • Revise Date 08 July 2024
  • Accept Date 01 September 2024

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