A training needs assessment for the capacity building of Khayelitsha local football associations

Abstract

Local Football Associations in Khayelitsha. Study design: The research design employed in this study was a qualitative methods approach with semi-structured interviews undertaken together with the facilitation of a focus group discussion. The population consisted of administrators from Khayelitsha local football associations and managers from South African Football Association, Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and Western Cape Sports Council. The researcher used interview questions that sought to identify skills needed by administrators. The term “administrators” refers to every person appointed as an administrator for the day-to-day operations of the local football association from the club level up to the association itself. Methodology: There were two sets of semi-structured interviews, the first set was individual semi-structured interviews with twelve (12) football experts in the Western Cape. The second set of semi-structured interviews were with two (2) managers of Khayelitsha Local Football Associations (LFAs). The semi-structured interviews were followed by a focus group discussion with twelve (12) administrators from Khayelitsha LFAs. The sample of semi-structured interviews were taken from six (6) local football associations in Khayelitsha. The Local Football Associations that were targeted for samples were Lingelethu LFA, Mandela Park LFA, Makhaza LFA, Khayelitsha LFA, Monwabisi LFA and Mandalay LFA. There was a total of twenty-six (26) participants, one group was that of twelve (12) football experts in the Western Cape, the second group comprised of two Khayelitsha LFA managers and the last group of twelve (12) administrators from Khayelitsha LFAs. The group of LFA administrators was made up of two (2) administrators from each of six (6) chosen active LFAs in Khayelitsha. Findings: Existing literature has proven that most capacity building programmes offered to local football associations by South African Football Association have not been relevant and effective. SAFA’s approach to the training of LFA administrators has been primarily prescriptive, with limited evidence of prior needs assessment.