Soccer contributions to child and youth training in a vulnerable community

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to understand the way in which soccer practice contributes to the education of children and young people who belonged to the School Fair Play, Soccer, Peace and Coexistence [Escuela Juego Limpio, Fútbol, Paz y Convivencia]. This school is located in San Felipe, in the municipality of Garzón-Huila, in Colombia. The population lacks of the optimal economic conditions to have decent housing and places of healthy recreation, and is exposed to various psychosocial risks. The study involved six boys and four girls from the pony, pre-childhood and children’s grades, five mothers, and five teachers. From a qualitative approach, data was collected through participant observation and interviews. The application of these techniques allowed obtaining information on oarticipants’ perceptions and experiences, which were analyzed and organized into two categories: promoting personal and academic growth, and transforming life project. The results suggest that soccer helps the integral formation of children and young people, strengthen qualities and skills, encourages change in behaviors, improves interpersonal relationships, generates recreational and fun spaces accompanied by academic processes that stimulate interest in transforming their environments through the creation of life projects.