Optimizing Football Player Development in Indonesia and Malaysia: Sports Psychology's Take on the Affective Domain

Introduction: Problems with the characteristics of young players often threaten the continuity of their careers in football. Negative behaviours such as ego, lack of discipline, star syndrome, and fickle commitment are some of the many examples that occur among young football players. The affective domain assesses the psychological adaptability of young football players in the development path, both in calm situations and when facing the pressure that often arises in matches or training. Objective: The aim is to make young players excel in both psychomotor and affective aspects, which are important domains in sustainable football coaching. This research seeks to discover the urgency of the affective domain of psychology in the development pathway of football players in Indonesia and Malaysia. Methodology: This study used a qualitative method with a grounded theory approach, and data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis of 25 licensed football coaches with at least 5 years of experience as coaches in Indonesia and Malaysia. Results: The role of coaches in paying attention to emotional and mental training is the basis for the development of sports psychology in children. Discussion: Children's involvement in football provides opportunities to develop life skills and trains them to have good character that will be useful in social life Conclusions: This research is expected to evaluate the implementation of mental training in fostering potential football players and supporting character development programmes through football.