Lee Ju Young , Gang Alex C , Kim Tae-yup , Park Jin , Cho Eun-ah , Park Ji-young
DOI:10.23949/ijhms.2022.12.16.3.3
Abstract
Twenty-two teams belonging to Korea Professional Football League (K-League) 1 and 2, which are the top league in Korean professional football, operate their own youth development system. The operation of the youth system, which is mandated by the Asian Football Federation (AFC) for individual clubs to acquire and maintain AFC club licenses, is playing a vital role in gaining a competitive edge through effective talent development. In this exploratory research paper, we scrutinize the current K-League youth system, wherein it translates the voices of various practitioners on perceived structural shortcomings of the current youth development system. Also, the study extends to making suggestions for better management practices for the sustainable development of youth football in Korea.
Key Words
Youth football, Football academies, K-League, Scouting, Talent development