Interest in Football and Awareness of National Development: A Study Among Female Secondary Students in Malaysia

This study explores the relationship between interest levels among female secondary school students in Malaysia and their awareness of the national women’s football team. Although women’s football has gained global momentum, Malaysia’s team remains behind regional counterparts in performance and FIFA rankings, primarily due to limited participation and interest. Focusing on female students at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Meru, this research assesses their interest in football, awareness of the national women’s team, and how these factors relate to the sport’s development. A quantitative, correlational research design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, football interest, and awareness. Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant results, with all significance (2-tailed) values below .01 or .05. However, the Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from .184 to .226, indicating weak associations. Findings suggest that students generally exhibit low interest and participation in football. Identified barriers include cultural norms, the absence of prominent women’s leagues, and limited grassroots development programs. The results highlight the need for collaborative efforts by stakeholders—including parents, educators, and football authorities—to promote female engagement in football and enhance the visibility of the women’s game in Malaysia. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insight into youth perceptions and engagement and offers practical implications for promoting gender inclusivity in sports development. Future initiatives should address systemic challenges and provide greater opportunities for female participation in football.