Focus on women’s soccer: the first research results of the practical implementation of the Disney Playmakers program in Hungary

Móczik, Alexandra Cintia and Patakiné Bősze, Júlia (2025) Focus on women’s soccer: the first research results of the practical implementation of the Disney Playmakers program in Hungary. GRADUS, 12 (2). ISSN 2064-8014

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Abstract

As the popularity of women's soccer grows, so too does the focus on developing youth players. The present research examines the implementation of the Disney Playmakers program in Hungary, launched by UEFA to engage 5–8-year-old girls in football and to make them love the sport. Data collected through semi-structured interviews revealed that although the program is popular among children and parents, sport-specific objectives, such as the expansion of the female youth base, are only partially achieved. The research highlighted the positive impacts of the program, such as the development of life skills in children, but institutional and infrastructural difficulties and disciplinary challenges hinder its effectiveness. Future research will aim to further develop the program and compare it internationally with other football cultures.

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