Development and problems of youth u- seventeen football projects in wolita zone, southern Ethiopia.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the development and problems of youth u-17 football projects in Wolita zone. The availability of equipment’s and facilities and the current problems of youth football project in Wolita zone were also assessed. Data were collected from Six sample youth u-17 football projects in Wolita zone (Soddo, Bodit, Areka, Humbo, Gasuba, Gununo) through one of the non- probability sampling techniques called purposive sampling. The participants of this study were 150 individual trainees from the six projects, 6 coaches and 6 assistant coaches from six projects. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data collected through questionnaires. The major finding of this study was the majority of the projects were not providing balanced and sufficient diet before and after training, most of the coaches and assistant coaches were no certificate, and the majority of the coaches were diploma holders, only one competition period per each year were organized for the projects, most of coaches identify the trainees by using the technical performance of the athletes or players. Up on the findings, it is recommended that the clubs and other concern bodies providing balanced and sufficient diet before and after training, all the technical-tactical elements which the game demands should be coached, practiced and developed at the age level when the players are capable to work with. Selection process should include strong criteria for keeping ages within appropriate level. Hence, to make the football youth project effective and successful the concerned body should supply the project sufficient facilities and equipment’s, players should be get well balance diet/nutrition, assign medical helpers, coaches should implement plan well, and sport office experts should attentively follow the training session and give high emphasis to the youth u-17 football projects.