Challenges and Perspectives of Women Football Premier League Clubs of Ethiopia
A summary of the research:
This research study aimed to understand the challenges and future possibilities for women's football (soccer) premier league clubs in Ethiopia. The researchers gathered information from 373 people, including players, coaches, club managers, referees, and football federation managers. They used surveys, interviews, observed training sessions, and reviewed documents to collect their data. The main goal was to figure out how factors like low economic status and cultural beliefs affect women's football, and to identify the biggest hurdles and hopes for its development.
The study found that while female players often have strong family support, there are significant obstacles related to funding, facilities, coaching development, and the overall organization of the clubs. It also showed that coaching methods focusing on individual learning styles, different passing techniques, and clear communication are very effective. However, there's a strong need to improve strategies for encouraging players during practice and developing basic skills. Overall, the research suggests that for women's football to grow, there needs to be a complete plan that deals with big-picture problems like money and facilities, as well as individual player needs and coach training.
Here are three practical and actionable takeaways from the article's results for coaches and administrators in women's soccer:
Actively Address Systemic Resource Disparities: The research highlights that women's football clubs face substantial barriers related to funding, basic infrastructure (fields, equipment, changing facilities), and organizational support. There's also a clear discrepancy in resources compared to male clubs. Prioritize advocating for and securing increased funding for women's programs, ensure equitable access to quality training facilities and equipment, and work to strengthen organizational structures dedicated to women's football development. This means engaging with sponsors, local governments, and the national football federation to address these foundational inequalities.
Enhance Coaching Focus on Basic Skill Development and Practice Encouragement: While coaching strategies focusing on individual learning styles and communication are effective, the study found a significant need for improvement in strategies related to practice encouragement and basic skill development. Coaches also face high workloads and inadequate materials. Design training sessions that consistently reinforce foundational football skills (e.g., passing, dribbling, shooting accuracy) at all levels, not just advanced techniques. Implement specific tactics to increase player motivation and engagement during practice, such as positive reinforcement, goal setting, and creating an enjoyable team culture. Administrators should support coaches with better resources and manageable workloads.
Leverage Positive Societal Support to Combat Cultural Barriers: The study notes that players often have strong family support and encouragement from society, and there's generally a positive community perception of female football. However, traditional gender roles can still limit opportunities for women in sports. Actively promote and celebrate existing family and community support for female players through public relations and events to reinforce positive cultural attitudes. Simultaneously, develop and implement programs (e.g., school outreach, public awareness campaigns) that directly challenge traditional gender stereotypes and showcase successful female athletes as role models, thereby creating more inclusive opportunities and encouraging broader participation in women's football.
Authors: Alem Worku, Kesatie Legesse, Abebe Ejigu, Laake Reda and Girma Reta
You can read the entire article here.
