Self-Determination Theory and youth futsal: motivational and developmental perspectives on early sports engagement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29181/2594-6463-2025-v9-n2-p244-254Keywords:
Futsal, Motivation, Self-Determination Theory, Sports Initiation, Positive Development in SportsAbstract
Self-Determination Theory and youth futsal: motivational and developmental perspectives on early sports engagement
Abstract
Futsal is one of the primary avenues for early sports engagement in Brazil, shaping the athletic experiences of children from a young age and often serving as the first step toward football aspirations. However, the increasing prevalence of early specialization raises concerns about its impact on long-term participation and overall development. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this essay examines how environmental factors influence young athletes' motivation and engagement in futsal. Specifically, it highlights the role of autonomy, competence, and social interactions in fostering self-determined motivation, sustained participation, and positive developmental outcomes. By exploring how early sports experiences can either support or hinder intrinsic motivation, this study advocates for a developmentally appropriate approach to futsal initiation, prioritizing psychological needs, long-term well-being, and holistic growth over immediate performance outcomes
Keywords: Futsal. Motivation. Self-Determination Theory. Sports Initiation. Positive Development in Sports.
Teoria da Autodeterminação e o futsal infantil: perspectivas motivacionais e de desenvolvimento na iniciação esportiva
Resumo
O futsal é uma das principais vias de engajamento esportivo precoce no Brasil, moldando as experiências atléticas das crianças desde a infância e frequentemente servindo como o primeiro passo para aspirações no futebol. No entanto, a crescente prevalência da especialização precoce levanta preocupações sobre seu impacto na participação a longo prazo e no desenvolvimento geral. Fundamentado na Teoria da Autodeterminação (TAD), este ensaio examina como fatores ambientais influenciam a motivação e o engajamento de jovens atletas no futsal. Especificamente, destaca o papel da autonomia, competência e interações sociais na promoção da motivação autodeterminada, da permanência na prática esportiva e de resultados positivos no desenvolvimento. Ao explorar como as experiências esportivas iniciais podem tanto favorecer quanto prejudicar a motivação intrínseca, este estudo defende uma abordagem de iniciação ao futsal baseada no desenvolvimento, priorizando as necessidades psicológicas, o bem-estar a longo prazo e o crescimento integral em detrimento de resultados imediatos de desempenho.
Palavras-chave: Futsal. Motivação. Teoria da Autodeterminação. Iniciação Esportiva. Desenvolvimento Positivo no Esporte.
Teoría de la Autodeterminación y el futsal infantil: perspectivas motivacionales y de desarrollo en la iniciación deportiva
Resumen
El fútbol sala es una de las principales vías de iniciación deportiva en Brasil, moldeando las experiencias atléticas de los niños desde una edad temprana y, a menudo, sirviendo como el primer paso hacia aspiraciones en el fútbol. Sin embargo, la creciente tendencia a la especialización temprana plantea preocupaciones sobre su impacto en la participación a largo plazo y en el desarrollo integral. Basado en la Teoría de la Autodeterminación (TAD), este ensayo analiza cómo los factores ambientales influyen en la motivación y el compromiso de los jóvenes futbolistas en el fútbol sala. En particular, destaca el papel de la autonomía, la competencia y las interacciones sociales en la promoción de la motivación autodeterminada, la adherencia sostenida a la práctica deportiva y los resultados positivos en el desarrollo. Al explorar cómo las experiencias deportivas tempranas pueden tanto fomentar como obstaculizar la motivación intrínseca, este estudio aboga por un enfoque de iniciación al fútbol sala centrado en el desarrollo, priorizando las necesidades psicológicas, el bienestar a largo plazo y el crecimiento integral sobre los resultados inmediatos del rendimiento.
Palabras clave: Fútbol Sala. Motivación. Teoría de la Autodeterminación. Iniciación Deportiva. Desarrollo Positivo en el Deporte.
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