INTERVIEW METHODOLOGY
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Interviewing academy directors or the equivalent at 18 clubs around Europe allowed us to put more ‘meat on the bones’ to our survey findings
We aimed to keep a balanced and objective approach to each conversation in an effort to obtain the most balanced and objective results for overall analysis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and
The results were systemised by coding and then analysed for interpretation. The most represented Quality Areas were Cognitive Care, Strategic Importance, Human Capital and Club Buy-in. The least covered are Competition, Finances and Facilities.
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D uring these interviews, we had a clear target in mind to use a semi-structured process to better understand our findings from our surveys, and to cover some of the more prominent topics, such as the successful transition of players from academy to first team. We used a list of prepared questions and topics to generate consistency in our discussions with our experts from different clubs and countries, who between them were in the position of Academy Director or equivalent to ensure similar levels of expertise and responsibility. This was very important to generate a better position for analysis, to get more confident and objective interpretation from the entire process.
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project timing restrictions, these interviews were held online, which took away some of the nuances you get when you physically visit people and place. Even though the interview plan contained more questions, we were able to use our survey results to focus on some areas and skip others, and generate a deeper discussion for the most pertinent topics. Ultimately, our aim was to establish ‘why’ academies do what they do, ‘how’ they do it and how they connect their major operational or tactical goals with their club’s strategy, philosophy or DNA. The structure of the interviews covered the same areas as our survey, but also covered strategic areas, such as sport policy and the philosophy behind
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METHODOLOGY INTERVIEW
it, and more tactical areas, such as the successful transition from the academy to the first team. Finally, it was a privilege to talk to some of the top experts from youth academies across Europe. Merely doing so was a
learning point in itself, and it’s highly recommended as a general practice to all youth academy experts to regularly exchange ideas for the benefit of all participants and the general youth academy ecosystem.
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YOUTH FOOTBALL 2021-23
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