Meanings about soccer in the vision of athletes from youth teams

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the meaning of soccer in the life of young soccer athletes. The participants were four athletes of a soccer club in South Brazil. These athletes came from different States of the country. A semi-structured interview was conducted, and the data were analyzed through Content Analysis methodology. It was found that these athletes experience a series of changes - such as moving from their hometown, meeting different people, facing hard and demanding routines - pursuing the goal of becoming a professional soccer player. The results of this study point to the importance of a Psychology analysis and approach that aims to understand not only the risk factors to which these young soccer players are exposed, but also know the personal meanings they attribute to their practice and role as soccer players.