Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Sports Management, Shomal Amol University, Amol, Iran
2 Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
3 University of Art, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to design a success path model for Iranian football instructors in international coaching courses to identify key success factors.
Methods: The research employed an exploratory mixed (qualitative-quantitative) and field developmental approach. In the qualitative phase, grounded theory was used, with 15 experts selected via purposive and snowball sampling for semi-structured interviews. In the quantitative phase, 260 football instructors and international coaches were sampled through simple stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, with confirmed validity and reliability.
Findings: The success path model comprises three main dimensions: technical competence (technical knowledge, experience, continuous learning), interpersonal skills (leadership, cultural understanding, effective communication), and a supportive environment (infrastructure, networking, commitment).
Conclusion: Achieving success for Iranian football instructors in international coaching courses requires enhancing technical competence, interpersonal skills, and fostering a supportive environment. The absence of any of these pillars poses challenges to goal attainment. This model can guide policymakers and coaches in elevating Iranian football coaching standards.
Keywords
Main Subjects
- Nemat Zadeh A, Rahimi M, Hosseini S. Football as a strategic commodity: Socioeconomic impacts. Iran J Sport Manag. 2020;10(3):55-67. (in persian)
- Smith J, Brown T, Wilson R. The role of scientific research in football coaching development. J Sport Sci. 2023;21(4):89-103.
- Moyer J, North C. FIFA’s role in global football development: Workshops and training programs. Int J Sport Dev. 2023;16(2):45-58.
- Tierney P. Data analytics in football: Enhancing performance through technology. J Sport Tech. 2021;8(2):67-80.
- Dixon M, Smith J, Anderson P. Strategic management in professional sports: A global perspective. Int J Sport Manag. 2024;20(1):12-25.
- Hong S. International collaboration in football: Knowledge exchange and global tournaments. Glob Sport J. 2023;18(1):34-47.
- Salahi Kojour A, Razavi SM, Amirnejad S, Mohammadi N, Taghipouryan MJ. Qualitative Modeling of Smart Tourism in the Sports Industry. Sport Management Journal. 2022;14(3):132-17. (in persian)
- Maleki R, Salahi A, Mohamad Nia E, Keymasi K. The influential factors on the quality of electronic service in sport from Esteghlal club fans point of view. Research in Sport Management and Motor Behavior. 2015;5(10):83-94. (in persian)
- Chapari L, Ghafoori F, Mohammadi S. The role of coaching styles in team cohesion and performance. Iran J Sport Manag. 2020;8(2):77-89. (in persian)
- Shami M, Hosseini R, Ghafoori F. Enhancing team performance through advanced coaching skills. Iran J Sport Manag. 2023;15(1):101-14. (in persian)
- Yazdani R, Alipour-Vaezi M, Kabirifar K, Salahi Kojour A, Soleimani F. A lion optimization algorithm for an integrating maintenance planning and production scheduling problem with a total absolute deviation of completion times objective. Soft Computing. 2022;26(24):13953-68.
- Barker J, Smith A, Jones R. Coaching and mentoring: A comparative analysis of educational frameworks. J Sport Educ. 2022;15(3):45-60.
- Jones R, Taylor M, Brown P. Professional development in coaching: The role of strategic thinking. J Coach Dev. 2023;10(2):56-70.
- Robertson P, Clark T, Davies R. One-on-one coaching: Techniques for effective knowledge transfer. J Coach Pract. 2020;11(1):34-49.
- Urit T. Technical development and coach education in football: A global perspective. Int J Coach Sci. 2020;12(3):45-59.
- Kalari S, Mohammadi R, Ahmadi N. The role of coaches in athlete development and team success. Sport Sci Rev. 2020;9(3):23-35. (in persian)
- Jones R, Taylor M, Brown P. Professional development in coaching: The role of strategic thinking. J Coach Dev. 2023;10(2):56-70.
- Ospina J, Medina R. Research capabilities and teaching effectiveness in international coaching exchanges. J Sport Teach. 2020;17(3):78-92.
- Hall T, Johnson L, Carter R. Global teaching competencies: Language proficiency and cultural integration in international education. J Int Educ. 2021;25(2):89-104.
- Hamidi M, Memari Z. Criteria for selecting national coaches: A mixed-method approach. Iran J Sport Manag. 2014;6(2):45-58. (in persian).
- Stephens D, Stodter A, Timmis M. Redeveloping Expertise in the Transition from Coach-to-Coach Education Tutor. Int Sport Coach J. 2024;1-12.
- Cropley B, McKay A. What does a world-class coach educator look like? Exploring effective coach education within a European context. Nyon (Switzerland): UEFA; 2025.
- Wachsmuth S, Hauser LL, Gierens FC, Wolf SA, Hermann HD, Höner O. Examining football players perceived social support across organizational levels and its links to holistic talent development outcomes in German youth academies. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2025; 76:102756.
- Li L, Olson HO, Tereschenko I, Wang A, McCleery J. Impact of coach education on coaching effectiveness in youth sport: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Sports Sci Coach. 2024;1-17.
- Diouf M, Miller J, Rothwell M. Professional soccer players perceptions of the English Football Association 4 corner model in supporting first team transitions. J Sports Sci. 2024;42(2):103-108.
- Abbasi H, Nazari R, Badami R. Presenting a model for developing an environment for the growth of Iranian grassroots football talent. Sport Manag Stud. 2025;1-21. (in persian).
- Naeimi M, Hematinejad M, Benar N, Saeedi F. The Impact of Digital Marketing on The Competitiveness of Sports Businesses: Through Competitive Intelligence and Entrepreneurship. Res Sport Manag Motor Behav. 2024;14(27):86-114. (in persian).
)