TY - JOUR T1 - Stress Factors Among South Korean Youth Soccer Players: An Analysis of Club and Pro Youth Teams AU - Cho, Il-young AU - Choi, Chul Soon AU - Hong, Yong AU - Koo, Dohoon PY - 2025 DA - January Y2 - 2024 DO - 10.33438/ijdshs.1558250 JF - International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences JO - International Journal of Disabilities Sports &Health Sciences PB - NDP Academic Publishing WT - DergiPark SN - 2645-9094 SP - 99 EP - 106 VL - 8 IS - 1 LA - en AB - This study aimed to analyze stress factors among South Korean youth soccer players, focusing on differences between Pro Youth and Club Team players. Surveys were conducted with 284 players registered with the Korea Football Association in 2024, examining various stress dimensions including performance, training, interpersonal, and game-related stress factors. Statistical analyses included t-tests and ANOVA to determine differences across demographics. Results revealed that Pro Youth players experienced significantly higher levels of performance stress (M = 2.88, SD = 0.73, p = 0.012) and training stress (M = 2.75, SD = 0.72, p = 0.021) compared to Club Team players. Positional analysis indicated midfielders reported relatively high stress levels in performance stress (M = 2.86, SD = 0.67), influenced by their dual offensive and defensive responsibilities, though statistical significance with other positions was limited. Less experienced players (less than one year) showed elevated interpersonal stress (M = 2.60, SD = 0.68). These findings highlight the intense psychological demands placed on youth soccer players, particularly in highly competitive environments. Tailored stress management interventions, including role-specific support and psychological skills training, are recommended to mitigate these challenges and promote sustainable athlete development. 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