E-FOOTBALL GAMES AS EDUCATIONAL TOOLS IN YOUTH FOOTBALL ACADEMIES: A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR TACTICAL, COGNITIVE, AND SOCIO-EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Rosario Ceruso, Arben Kaçurri

Abstract


This theoretical article examines the educational potential of e-football games in youth football academies, focusing on tactical, cognitive, and socio-educational development. Drawing on game-based learning, situated learning, and ecological dynamics, it considers how coach-guided virtual scenarios may support tactical awareness, decision-making, reflection, and peer collaboration. A four-phase pedagogical framework is proposed: digital tactical exposure, guided reflection, field-based transfer, and reflective feedback. Risks include excessive screen time, sedentary behavior, and uncertain transfer to real-world performance. E-football games are therefore presented as complementary educational tools, not substitutes for on-field training; their value depends on structured pedagogical mediation and further empirical validation.


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.32043/gsd.v10i2.2004

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Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive Didactics 

Publisher: Cares srl – REN Press (since 2026). Previously published by Gaia srl – Edizioni Universitarie Romane (2017–2025).

ISSN: 2532-3296 E-ISSN: 3103-5744