Tradycje i rozwój młodzieżowej piłki nożnej w Wielkopolsce w latach 1913–2013

Background. Youth football in Wielkopolska (Greater Poland Voivodship) has always been treated in a special, preferential way. Since the first sport associations were set up more than 100 years ago, football in Wielkopolska has had many sporting as well as organisational achievements. Wielkopolska was the first region in the country where a youth league was established. The town of Sieraków was the place where the first Junior Football Championship was held. Furthermore, the Wielkopolska Voivodship was also a pioneer in organising football championships for children under 13. It was also the home of the first women’s football club. The aim of this study was to find out what determines football development and to what extent football players have contributed to the successes of Poland national football team. Material and methods. Qualitative research was used. It based on documents found in the Archives of Football Association in Poznan and private archives and information published in the local press. Results. The analysis shows that the unquestionable successes of Wielkopolska football clubs result from the obligation imposed on the best local clubs to create youth teams as well as the passion and dedication of the clubs’ volunteers and employees.