It was intended to examine the contextual influences and socio-environmental attitudes and behaviors of young athletes in sport participation. The participants were 24 young soccer players in a Professional Oriented Club (POC), divided into four teams, sub 14 through sub 17; they participated in group interviews regarding their sport participation, characterization of the context of practice and interpersonal relationships. The group climate, among peers, was positively mentioned by young athletes’ as important. The search for status and recognition, alongside with the aspiration to professionalism were stated as important in their sport trajectories. Parents are important agents in sport participation. The relationship with the young coach proved to be influential in the motivational climate perceived by young people. The results determine important assets to take into consideration when construing the training structure in youngsters playing in professional clubs. Young athletes’ sport participation needs to take into account the context of practice to promote positive development.
Ecology practice; Sport participation; Young athletes
