Qualitative study of a Korean elite university soccer team from a vertical leadership and shared leadership perspective

This study analyzes the leadership behaviours that have helped shape a successful university soccer team in Korea. More specifically, the research focuses on both vertical and shared leadership in a team. To gain an in-depth understanding of how the ‘Y team’ could have had so much continuous success over an eight-year period, this study uses a total of 16 semi-structured interviews with athletes and coaches. The study showed some first insights that the team can generate excellence even without top-ranked players when operating under a combined vertical and shared leadership approach. Useful implications for current and future soccer coaches exploring how to develop and implement various leadership behaviours were addressed.