Role of Grassroot Football Academy in reducing the children delinquency: sport psychology perspective

Abstract

Introduction. Adolescence is a pivotal time in a person’s life, and for many juveniles, it’s marked by delinquency. However, this behavior shouldn’t be seen as a negative thing, but rather as a natural part of their transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s important that we guide and support these young people through this crucial time, so they can navigate the challenges of growing up and become responsible, productive members of society. Aim. To gain a deeper understanding of how football can positively influence adolescent behavior and deter juvenile delinquency. Material and method. This study employs qualitative methods with a grounded theory approach, ensuring a thorough and rigorous analysis. A study was conducted on twenty five youth coaches in Indonesia and Malaysia and four parents, all of whom had a football coaching license and a minimum of 5 years experience in coaching. This study implements data triangulation, utilizing open-ended semi-structured interviews, observation, and document analysis to gather research data. Results. According to the study, football can be utilized as a tool to shape the character of adolescents. It can help them develop independence, responsibility, emotional management skills, positive attitude, respect for others, courage, alertness, decision-making abilities, and social skills. Furthermore, it can prevent juvenile delinquency by providing opportunities for positive interactions with others. Conclusions. Researchers recommend that children engage in physical activities, particularly football, from a young age. This can significantly shape their character and reduce the likelihood of future delinquent behavior.