Search Results (361)

Participation in organized sport is widely encouraged for youth development, yet positive outcomes are not guaranteed. Parents play a pivotal role in shaping young athletes’ experiences, requiring emotional support, interpersonal skills, and self-regulation. This study examines the meanings parents attribute to their children’s sports participation and how young athletes construct their experiences under parental and coaching influences. An interpretive phenomenological methodology involved semi-structured interviews with coaches, focus groups with parents, and open-ended questionnaires to young athletes. Seventeen players (M = 11.2 years, SD = 0.59), nineteen parents (M = 47.6 years, SD = 3.61), and two coaches from the same football club volunteered to participate in the study. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure a homogeneous experience. The findings reveal that parental involvement balances support and pressure, while trust-building between parents and coaches significantly impacts the athletes’ experiences. The evolving role of technology and the importance of social dynamics within teams also emerged as critical factors. Intrinsic motivation, fostering emotional bonding through the sport, and adopting a developmental rather than purely competitive framework were emphasized factors identified as supporting positive youth sport experiences. These findings offer insights into how interconnected relationships among parents, coaches, and athletes influence children’s sports engagement and development. Full article

In the present study, 96 teams’ performances across 48 matches in the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 were analyzed. Teams scoring first won 62.5% of matches (p < 0.05), while goals were evenly distributed between halves (p > 0.05) and showed marginal variation across six 15 min intervals, peaking near the 30–45 and 75–90 min marks. Parametric analyses revealed a significant effect of match outcome on possession, with winning teams exhibiting higher average possession (53.3%) compared to losing and drawing teams. Non-parametric analyses identified significant differences between match outcomes for goals scored, attempts at goal, total and completed passes, pass completion rate, defensive line breaks, receptions in the final third, ball progressions, defensive pressures, and total distance covered. Winning teams scored more goals and registered more attempts on target than losing teams, although some metrics showed no significant difference between wins and draws. Logistic regression analysis identified attempts at goal on target, defensive pressures, total completed passes, total distance covered, and receptions in the final third as significant predictors of match success (AUC = 0.85), correctly classifying 80.2% of match outcomes. These results emphasized the crucial role of offensive accuracy and possession dominance in achieving success in elite football. Full article

Background: Adequate nutrition is fundamental to the health and performance of young athletes. However, many fail to meet nutritional recommendations. Nutrition education programmes are promising, cost-effective strategies for improving dietary habits. However, research gaps persist, coupled with notable variability amongst the intervention programmes targeting youth athletes. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional knowledge of Portuguese youth athletes and to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutrition education programme in improving football players’ understanding of a healthy diet. Methods: Participants were recruited from a local football club through public announcement. Male youth football players aged 13 to 18 years, training at least 3 times per week and competing regularly over the past six months, were eligible. The baseline assessment included anthropometric measurements, an assessment of the adherence to the Mediterranean diet using the KIDMED questionnaire, and an assessment of general and sports nutrition knowledge via a structured questionnaire. Following the intervention—comprising three face-to-face educational sessions and two digital infographics—the KIDMED and nutrition knowledge questionnaires were re-administered. Results: A sample of 38 male footballers were eligible for this study. Most participants exhibited a healthy body weight, with a corresponding adequate body composition. The mean KIDMED score indicated moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet with no statistically significant difference between the baseline and post-intervention (6.79 ± 1.52 versus 6.97 ± 2.01, p > 0.05). There was a significant enhancement in overall nutrition knowledge, accompanied by notable improvements in the comprehension of macro- and micronutrient sources and sports nutrition principles. Conclusions: This pilot programme proved effective in enhancing young football players’ knowledge of nutrient sources and sports nutrition. Full article

Background/Objectives: Injury prevention programs (IPPs) are evidence-based interventions that reduce musculoskeletal injuries in youth sports. Despite their proven benefits, the adoption of IPPs by coaches remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, usage, and perceptions of IPPs among youth sports coaches in Poland and to identify factors associated with their implementation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based survey tailored to youth sports coaches in Poland. Coaches of athletes aged 9–17 were recruited through targeted outreach to clubs and professional networks. The survey assessed IPP awareness, implementation, perceptions, and sources of information. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, non-parametric comparisons, Firth’s logistic regression, and cluster profiling. Results: Only 54.6% of coaches (59 out of 108) were aware of IPPs, and among them, just 47.5% reported using them. No significant associations were found between IPP use and demographic variables such as gender, sport, or place of residence. Coaches who were aware of IPPs were significantly younger than those who were unaware (p = 0.029). The information source was the strongest predictor of IPP implementation: coaches trained via formal courses were over 20 times more likely to use IPPs compared to those learning from peers (OR = 20.4, p < 0.001). While coaches generally perceived IPPs as beneficial for fitness and recovery, 28.6% expressed doubts about their effectiveness in reducing injury risk. Conclusions: Despite broadly positive beliefs, only 47.5% of coaches who were aware of IPPs reported using them. Formal training significantly enhances the likelihood of adoption. These findings emphasize the need for structured educational efforts and improved dissemination strategies to promote evidence-based injury prevention in youth sports settings. Full article

Sport can serve as a powerful tool for community building, fostering inclusion, challenging intolerance, and advancing social justice. It also supports positive youth development and active citizenship. When embedded in local life and accessible beyond athletics, sport creates unique conditions for community development and inclusive action. Sport and equity-focused community development are about relationships. The perspectives and behaviors stemming from youth participation in sport—what they learn about human relationships, relationship building, and life skills—carry forward through time in all phases and facets of their lives. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Ireland’s largest amateur sporting and cultural organization, exemplifies this potential. More than a sports organization, the GAA plays a central role in Irish society, offering opportunities for people of all ages to engage in sport, fitness, and well-being, while actively contributing to community life. GAA clubs often function as local social hubs, creating spaces for connection across generations. This article uses the GAA as a case study to explore how sport can be a unifying and inclusive structure for community building. Specifically, we will (1) examine the link between sport, youth, and active citizenship; (2) explore connections between sport, community, inclusion, and social justice; (3) offer a historical and cultural overview of the GAA; and (4) consider how organizations like the GAA can support efforts around inclusion, tolerance, and sustainability. The discussion will highlight implications for future community programming and policy. Full article

This paper seeks to test the explanatory potential of different sociological perspectives in relation to the development of new sport models that reflect the growth of leisure sport participation in urban outdoor places and the decline in traditional practices in associations and clubs. In this regard, this study employs an analytical framework to examine global trends, with a particular focus on the specific context of the municipality of Zaragoza (Spain). With a multi-method approach, a 10-year-period dataset (2009–2019) incorporating sport participation surveys, observational data, and a focus group study is analysed. Three theories are tested: Maffesoli’s neo-tribes; neo-Bourdieuian ideas about urban subcultures; and Elias’s theory of civilizing processes. The results show a congruence between the three theories regarding identity negotiation, commodification, and community sense. However, disparities were found between the three theories, with one or more of them exhibiting an absence of class consciousness that supports subcultural interpretation and distinct notions of change versus continuity of the analyzed phenomena. This paper concludes that recent sports participation trends are best explained with reference to the quest of excitement and using healthism as a dominant ideology or social imperative. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plyometric training is a method of increasing soccer performance which leverages the muscle stretch-shortening cycle. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of plyometric training in prepubertal soccer players. Methods: Twenty-three young athletes (age 9.4 ± 0.3 years) from an elite club, training three times per week, were enrolled. During one of the weekly training sessions, twelve players formed the experimental group (PLYO), incorporating a 45 min plyometric training component into their routine, while the control group (CON), consisting of eleven players continued with their usual training program. At baseline and after 12 weeks, anthropometric parameters, flexibility, lower limb strength, and agility were assessed. Results: At baseline, no differences were observed between the two groups in anthropometric or physical performance parameters. No injuries occurred during the study. After 12 weeks, both groups showed significant growth and performance improvements. However, the PLYO showed a significantly greater increase in lower limb strength (Δ + 10.7%) compared to the CON (Δ + 6.0%). Conversely, although not statistically significant, agility improvements were greater in the CON (Δ + 12.4%) than in the PLYO (Δ + 8.6%). Conclusions: Plyometric training appears to be a safe and effective method for enhancing lower limb strength in prepubertal athletes. However, this strength gain did not directly translate into greater agility, which may benefit more from sport-specific training during this developmental stage. Full article

Environmental consciousness has become increasingly important in the professional sports industry as it often hosts large-scale events that have significant environmental impacts. While the economic benefits of locating stadiums in city centers have been discussed, especially in terms of neighborhood revitalization, there has been limited empirical research on whether stadium relocation affects the transportation choices of spectators and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Through a case study of a Japanese professional football club that relocated its home stadium from the suburb to the city center, this study quantitatively elucidated the change in spectators’ transportation choices and resulting reductions in carbon emissions achieved by the stadium relocation. Analysis indicated variations in behavioral changes among groups based on their loyalty levels to the club. It also highlighted the varying influence of the different residential areas within the metropolitan area on the modal choice. This study demonstrates the potential contribution of stadium relocation to sustainable urban planning by providing empirical evidence of these behavioral changes and policy implications for restructuring the urban public transportation network. Full article

Background: Cheerleading is an emerging and increasingly popular sport among girls. The figures performed during routines require a high level of balance from the athletes. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of participation in cheerleading classes on body balance in girls during early adolescence. Methods: A total of 35 female cheerleaders from the Power Stars Sząbruk Club (Poland) were divided into three age groups: 8–9 years (n = 15), 10–11 years (n = 11), and 12–14 years (n = 9). Balance assessment was performed using the E.P.S R/1 pedobarographic platform. The Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni post hoc correction was used to analyze intergroup differences in foot load distribution and balance parameters. Results: The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the pressure on the forefoot area of the right foot (p = 0.007) between the 8–9 and 12–14 age groups, and in the balance level between the youngest group (8–9 years) and the oldest group (12–14 years) at p = 0.028, as well as between the middle group (10–11 years) and the oldest group (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Participation in cheerleading classes may influence the increase in balance, particularly in terms of the distance of center of pressure (C.O.P.) shifts and the average speed of these shifts. In adolescence, muscle development is crucial, and when closely linked with motor coordination, it helps maintain body stability. Full article

The financial valuation of professional football players is influenced by multiple factors that evolve throughout a player’s career. This study examines these determinants using Gradient Boosting Machine Learning models, segmented by three age categories and three playing positions to capture the dynamic nature of player valuation. K-fold cross-validation is applied to measure accuracy, with results indicating that incorporating a player’s projected future potential improves model precision from an average of 74% to 84%. The findings reveal that the relevance of valuation factors diminishes with age, and the most influential features vary by position—shooting for attackers, passing for midfielders, and defensive skills for defenders. The study adopts a dynamic segmentation approach, providing financial insights relevant to club managers, investors, and stakeholders in sports finance. The results contribute to sports analytics and financial modeling in sports, with applications in contract negotiations, talent scouting, and transfer market decisions. Full article

The aim of this study was to qualitatively pre-test a research instrument to assess the financial literacy skills of professional athletes who compete in a team sport environment. Questions were developed based on a review of the current literature and an analysis of qualitative data from twelve structured expert interviews, selected using actor–network theory and purposive sampling. The findings showed how qualitative data can be considered and enumerated to guide the development of 28 validated questions to assess financial literacy within a specific group. This study helps to fill a gap in the literature since there is a paucity of qualitatively mediated research that focuses on specific target groups in the field of financial literacy. This research instrument could be of value to professional athletes, sports club management, players’ associations, educators, researchers, sports agents, and advisors by providing them with a greater understanding of their clients’ financial literacy skills and financial needs. Full article

Background: In recent years, padel-based interventions have been widely applied in junior and elite players of both genders concerning athletic performance, whereas evidence of their efficacy in trials that use simple randomization has not been well established. This study aimed to compare the effects of 8 weeks of padel training (PD) on the strength and power of untrained healthy children. Methods: Twenty-five children aged 11–15 years (12.36 ± 1.15 years) were randomly assigned into experimental (PD) (nine boys and five girls: 1.58 ± 0.04 m; 50.00 ± 6.75 kg; and 19.96 ± 1.95 kg/m²) and control (CT) (seven boys and four girls: 1.60 ± 0.05 m; 56.92 ± 2.75 kg; and 21.61 ± 1.02 kg/m²) groups. The PD group trained twice a week for 8 weeks, and the CT group did not follow any training program and did not participate in regular exercise or sports. Countermovement jump, medicine ball throw, handgrip, and 5 m sprint test results were measured at baseline and after the intervention in the padel sport group. Results: The results showed a significant interaction for training-induced responses in the sprint test (T5) (F = 10.55, p = 0.004, η² = 0.31). No significant interactions were observed for handgrip strength (HG) (F = 3.90, p=0.06), the medicine ball throw (MBT) (F = 0.851, p = 0.37, η² = 0.04), and the countermovement jump (F = 1.04, p =0.32, η² = 0.04), with clear improvements from pre- to post-training in the PD group. After 8 weeks of training, the PD group showed increased performance in handgrip strength (p = 0.004), while the CT group had decreased velocity post-training (p = 0.011). Conclusions: The individual results in the PD group showed an improvement, which suggests that the practice of padel seems to be a good strategy for improving one’s fitness. It is suggested that 8 weeks of PD seem to be effective in improving strength- and power-related variables in healthy, untrained children. This could be considered an alternative to traditional sports to improve the body fitness of young children and should be applied in school-based programs and the sports club community. Also, more high-quality RCTs are needed in the future. Full article

Warm-up protocols are essential in high-intensity sports such as basketball, in which explosive power and rapid decision-making are critical for performance. This study examined the immediate effects of a modern cognitive warm-up, incorporating open-skill demands and cognitive-motor dual tasks, compared to a traditional closed-skill warm-up in youth basketball players. Twelve male players (ages 15–16) from an elite Israeli youth basketball club participated in the study and performed performance assessments post-warm-up. Sprint performance was evaluated using a closed-skill test (CST: 5-m and 10-m sprints without external stimuli) and an open-skill test (OST: 5-m and 10-m sprints with a reaction-based stimulus). The modern cognitive warm-up integrated advanced sports technology, and all performance assessments were conducted using reliable measurement technologies. The results demonstrated that the modern cognitive warm-up significantly enhanced sprint performance in both OST (p < 0.01) and CST (p < 0.05 for 5 m sprint), with no significant difference in the 10 m CST. Reaction times were also significantly improved (p < 0.01), emphasizing the effectiveness of cognitive warm-ups in enhancing perceptual-motor readiness. These findings suggest that integrating cognitive-motor dual tasks and open-skill elements into warm-up routines may enhance both readiness and focus for explosive performance, as well as improve players’ reactive abilities. Full article

Walking Football is a growing adapted sport offering a viable alternative to traditional exercise for middle-aged and older adults. While rule modifications aim to reduce injury risk, this has yet to be established. This study conducted injury surveillance in community-based Walking Football to determine injury incidence and characteristics in training and matches. A four-month observational cohort study remotely tracked injuries and exposure time across seven Walking Football clubs in England using a sub-elite injury surveillance framework. Injuries were classified as medical attention (requiring on-field attention without subsequent absence) or time-loss (≥1 day of participation absence). Injury incidence was calculated per 1000 h of play. Across 6364.55 h of exposure, 45 injuries were reported: 30 (66.7%) medical attention and 15 (33.3%) time-loss injuries. Injury incidence was 5.3 [1.5–11.5] per 1000 h in training (medical attention: 3.3 [0.8–7.3]; time-loss: 2.0 [0.5–4.5]) and 37.6 [8.7–83.9] per 1000 h in matches (medical attention: 28.9 [5.8–66.6]; time-loss: 8.7 [0–23.2]). Match injury incidence was significantly higher than training (rate ratio: 7.1 [1.3–31.4]). Findings suggest that injury incidence in community-based Walking Football is low, supporting its safety and potential as a sustainable physical activity strategy for middle-aged and older adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pressure to stay lean may lead adolescent athletes to dietary restraint and disordered eating. Lack of nutrition awareness can also contribute to suboptimal dietary habits, increasing the risk of eating disorders and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport [RED-S], though evidence in competitive athletes is limited. This study explored eating disorder symptoms and RED-S knowledge in adolescent artistic gymnasts. Methods: Eighty-four female artistic gymnasts, thirty-nine international and national level gymnasts [high-level; 14 [14, 15] y] and forty-five recreational and club level gymnasts [low-level; 14 [13, 15] y] completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire [EDE-Q 6.0], the RED-S knowledge Questionnaire and provided training details. Results: Seventeen gymnasts (20.2%) scored above the cutoff point on the EDE-Q. In addition, high-level gymnasts scored higher than low-level on EDE-Q [2.21 ± 1.37 (35.9%) vs. 1.19 ± 0.79 (6.7%), respectively; p < 0.001] and on its subscales: Restraint, Eating Concerns, Weight Concerns, and Shape Concerns [p < 0.001 to 0.009], thus indicating more severe disordered eating symptoms. No group differences were found in binge eating and compensatory behaviors. An important percentage of gymnasts reported at least one episode of binge eating and excessive training [39.3–58.3%], while four gymnasts reported self-induced vomiting. RED-S knowledge did not differ between groups. On average, gymnasts were unaware of correct answers related to RED-S [51.5%], its definitions [79.8–92.9%], and its association with menstrual disturbances and bone health [54.8–86.9%]. However, gymnasts reported better awareness of the impact of food restriction on illness and performance [47.6–84.5%]. Conclusions: Elite artistic gymnasts exhibited a higher prevalence of eating disorder symptoms than lower-level peers. Gymnasts at all levels demonstrated limited knowledge of the effects of RED-S on menstrual and bone health. Failure to recognize these risks may influence gymnasts’ eating behaviors and delay RED-S detection and management. Full article