Desafios e oportunidades da prática desportiva de jovens em acolhimento residencial

: perspetivas de diretores, cuidadores e jovens

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the sports practices of young people in residential care, from the perspectives of directors, caregivers, and the youths themselves, analyzing the factors that influence the sports practices of young people in residential care and their perceived meanings and impacts. Adopting a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with directors, caregivers, and youths, with a total of eleven participants. The content analysis of the interviews revealed five main themes: meanings of sports, access and promotion of sports practices, barriers and difficulties, facilitating strategies, and the impact of sports practice. Results show that sports play a fundamental role in increasing self-esteem, emotional regulation, and the development of social skills, acting as a protective factor in contexts of vulnerability. However, sports participation is often limited by logistical, financial, and motivational obstacles. The study highlights the importance of caregiver involvement, community partnerships, and the personalization of activities as effective strategies to promote equitable access to sports. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the transformative role of sports in the lives of at-risk youth and points to pathways for future interventions and research.

Date of Award	10 Jul 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Luísa Mota Ribeiro (Supervisor)