"Running in This Heat Is Abuse… We Will Definitely Find a Way"

[Anchor]

The Innovation Committee, tasked with reforming South Korean football, listened to voices from the youth football field today (the 19th). In particular, a barrage of criticism pointed out that the situation forcing student-athletes into murderous heatwaves must be changed immediately.

Reporter Pyeon Gwanghyeon has the details.

[Reporter]

The Innovation Committee, which has been holding weekly meetings since its launch last month, held a listening session today at the Korea Football Park focusing on grassroots "youth football."

Student-athletes, parents, and coaches who visited the site highlighted the reality where even their basic right to survival is threatened.

[Gil Yun-woo / Dalseong-gun Youth Football Team: My name is Gil Yun-woo, and I'm in the 5th grade. Every summer these days, the (artificial) turf gets so hot that there's a risk of burns...]&br;

[Lee Ju-hwan / Gwacheon Elementary School Football Team Coach: Why on earth are our kids forced to participate in (tournaments) during those hot and cold periods when others can fully enjoy their leisure...]&br;

This is because tournaments have traditionally been concentrated during the school vacation periods—corresponding to the hottest and coldest seasons—in line with the objective of fostering student-athletes who also study. However, as the intensity of heatwaves increases year after year and injuries continue to pile up—including a middle school player being rushed to the hospital for a heat-related illness early this month—the committee promised to find immediate solutions.

[Choi Hwi-young / Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (K-Football Innovation Committee Member): I think this is practically an act of abuse by adults against young players. I promise you right here. We will find a way.]

In addition, parents and coaches urged improvements regarding the college entrance system that forces them to stake everything on national tournament results, as well as the lack of fields for players who want to practice. The innovation committee members agreed to synthesize the contents of today's listening session and straighten out the youth environment, which is the foundation of the development of South Korean football.

(Video taken by: Hwang In-seok | Video edited by: Park Gi-deok | Video source: YouTube 'Korea Women's Football Federation')

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