Model development based on small-sided games for the national football development program in Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: The National Football Development Programme (NFDP) in Malaysia is a comprehensive initiative designed to improve the quality of football through structured coaching and player development, particularly focusing on youth engagement. Objective: This study aims to develop a coaching model rooted in Small-Sided Games (SSGs) that is specifically designed for the cultural and social context of Malaysia. Methodology: This study used Qualitative Research Methodology, specifically utilizing the Evolved Grounded Theory approach by Strauss and Corbin. Data were collected (n=14) NFDP coaches in each state in Malaysia using in-depth semi-structured open-ended interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, observed and document analyzed exactly as they were spoken using Atlas.ti 8.0 software. Results: The findings of this study indicate that coaching presents four steps of small-sided games implementation in the National Football Development Programme namely Implementation, Improvement, Re-implementation and Modification. Conclusions: This model will contribute information for youth football player development in Malaysia. Therefore, this finding will assist stakeholders and NFDP coaches in specific areas that can be improved for youth football player development in Malaysia.

Keywords

• NFDP coach
• model development
• small-sided games
• qualitative
• evolve grounded theory