Motivation of children to participate in a futsal school

Abstract

Introduction: Motivation is a relevant factor to start sports participation and it can vary according to age and type of sport. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the motivation of children participating in a futsal sports school in the south of Rio Grande do Sul. It is a qualitative study with a descriptive approach. Materials and Methods: The study included 25 children eight and nine years old. For the data collection, a field-work diary and semi-structured group interviews were used. The study had an approximation phase in which the interviewer was present, for a period of one month in sports training, with the intention of facilitating interaction and familiarization, and the group interviews phase following a pre-established investigative script. The information collected was transcribed and content analysis was performed to examine and interpret the information. Results: Among the results referring to the motivation of the participants, it was identified that the engagement in the school was mostly motivated by the own children, followed by the parents support and friends support, respectively. In terms of reasons of continued practice the dream of becoming a football player was marked, as well as the training characteristics and family and friend’s social support. Conclusions: Understanding these motivational factors is relevant to drive actions in the professional practice that make sense of the expectations and contexts of the children are involved, also favoring the maintenance of their links with schools and sports.