African Journal of Science and Research,2015,(4)5:40-47 ISSN: 2306-5877 Available Online: http://ajsr.rstpublishers.com/ THE TRAINING AND CONTRIBUTION OF YOUTH FOOTBALL PROJECTS TO GENERATE NEW SUCCESSOSR PLAYERS: THE CASE OF ADDIS ABABA YOUTH FOOTBALL PROJECTS. Wondafrash Negash 1 , Solomon Teka 2 ,Somsankar Mukherjee* 1 1) Department of Sport Science, Mekelle University, Ethiopia. 2) Department of Sport Science, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. Email:somsankar.mukherjee@gmail.com Received: 23,Sep,2015 Accepted:09,Oct,2015. Abstract This study is conducted with ultimate objective of identify and evaluate the training and contribution of youth football project to generate new successor players with the case of Addis Ababa youth football projects. Four sample youth projects were selected, from ten youth football projects using cluster sampling technique. Thus, the subjects in the study were 50 randomly selected football players from the four clubs and four purposively selected coaches. In addition to this 6 respondents’ were involved in interview by using purposive method. The data was colle cted through questionnaire, interview and observation checklist. Descriptive (frequency distribution and percentage, mean) method of data analysis has been utilized to analyze the data for questioners. Whereas the data gathered through interview and observation were analyzed through descriptive statements. A descriptive survey research design was employed as a general approach in the study. The findings of the study indicated that, following major problems are dominant in Addis Ababa youth football projects: less emphasis given to the validity of sport in general and football in particular, absence of transparent and accountable administration, lack of cooperation among the concerned stakeholders, absence of long term and permanent fund for the clubs, lack of sufficient football courts in the area and less emphasis given to even the existing ones. As a general solution to the identified problems greater emphasis has to be given to the youth football in the area so that it could be possible to recruit adult players in the near future and this could also be a fundamental base for the sustainability of the major adult football clubs. Establishing and organizing football youth projects and clubs in all of sub city could be one major strategy to address the sustainability of the major football clubs. Keywords: Training, Contribution, Generating, Successor, Football projects, Youth. INTRODUCTION Football is one of the most popular sports in the world with player numbers increasing annually at an explosive rate. It can be played by young and old, boys and girls, by elite and physically or mentally challenged and on small or wide field. It has attracted a large amount of faithful funs that will do their best to support it. People prefer to watch the exciting football game irrespective of race, color, and nationality and or even learn playing it. Children now tend to start specific sports training in specialized environment at a younger age than in previous years. Therefore it is widely recognized that Training of youth football program is the base and the main source for a club and the future new successor players will be equipped with the fundamental components as technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the modern football. So, highly organized and well-structured youth football training program is crucial and critical. In relation to the above idea Florida Youth Football Association (FYSA) Coaches Handbook (2010) stated that: The program of youth football training should be capable of producing new successor players who are beneficial to the main club. This can be achieved through a well-organized and structured youth football development program. The youth level is where we need to realize that the game we play is not the “adult game.” Age appropriate training is crucial at each age group to much the activities to their abilities, needs and individual characteristics. The game must be enjoyable for the players in order to keep their enthusiasm high so they continue to the junior level and need to be a purpose.; Thus, because of its impact on the development of youth football players and their upgrading and contribution to generate new successor players in relation to their performance should be give due attention. Therefore, coaches are required to approach each training session with a well-structured plan and method of training. Clubs to be a good competent and successful at national and international level, it is mandatory to train and cultivate youth athletes with such a continual and consecutive program. Since the demands of the main club in the modern football cannot be addressed with only a well-structured program of youth football, the systematic control and assessment of the program in relation to its contribution to generate new successor players is very important. In addition to the above idea united states youth football player development model also explained that, a club must have a model for the development of all players. The core for planned development is a sound curriculum. True player development occurs when each player’s daily training and playing environment is of the highest quality. If this environment is consistent, with a clear vision of what lies ahead for the players, development is maximized. To this end, a club must have a business plan for staff growth, facility management and implementation of programming within the club. Moreover the United States Football Federation (USSF) Coaches Manual (1973) explained that it is clear that the coach must plan carefully to achieve goals and objectives, Especially in terms of player development, Coaches need to make a plan of action at the beginning of each year or season. By doing so they have an outline of what they want to achieve by the end of the year and how they intend to accomplish it. Coaching without a plan, especially youth levels often results in players not receiving instruction or practice in areas that are the bases for future development. Thus, because planning prior to a training session coaches should prepare a practice plan that outlines the session. The plan also should be flexible enough to allow for changes to the practice. In addition to all factors, while planning the frequency, duration and intensity of the training should fit with the level of players. Furthermore, FYSA (2010) recommended that, “At the junior (ages 13-17) level, ball skills; enjoyment and insight into the game, with a