Motivation and attitudes of college varsity players towards community-based sports initiatives: Precursor to grassroots sports program

Abstract

The Philippine sports culture is embedded in its communities as they are aggressively engaging in sports initiatives involving the youth from grade school to college levels capturing the passion of the sport’s participants at the grassroots level. Varsity players were exposed to such passion which shaped their competence in sports and physical activity later in life. This research analyzed the motivation and attitudes of the varsity athletes in higher education who have been participating in community sports in their growing years. Ninety (n = 90) varsity players from three state universities and colleges in Zamboanga City, Philippines participated in a Likert-scale survey to determine their level of motivation and attitudes towards community sports initiatives in relation to their athletic participation in the university. Findings revealed that the level of motivation among varsity students for the benefits of sports was very high and their gender and years of being a varsity player. Attitude indicators also revealed that varsity players pursue sports because it develops their competence and social skills. Community sports initiatives promoted a competitive mindset, as well as boosted confidence as players were able to prepare for competitions. This study is important for government and universities to consider the role of community sports initiatives in developing their long-term grassroots sports programs.