Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-MARTINEZ, P.  and  GUILLEN, F.. Motives for sports participation in young mexican athletes. CPD [online]. 2017, vol.17, n.3, pp.105-116. ISSN 1989-5879.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the participation motives of young Mexican athletes as well as gender-based differences according to the sport practiced and the regions they hail from. Seven hundred fifty-eight athletes participated in this study (376 females and 382 males) between the ages of 10 and 21 years old, from throughout the country and who participate in 16 different sports. The version of the Participation Motivation Questionnaire (PMQ; Gill, Gross and Huddleston, 1983) made by Scalon, Becker and Brauner (1999) was used. Results showed that the main reasons given by the athletes were to be in shape, be strong and healthy, because they like to and also to hone their skills. There are also significant statistical differences according to gender and age in many of the reasons given to practice sports. One may also appreciate significant differences according to whether it is an individual or team sport and between combat and non-combat sports. The results provide quite interesting information for designing sports venues and for coaches to adapt practices according to the interests of young athletes. Future research on this topic should include qualitative studies that will help acquire in-depth knowledge of sports and Mexican athletes.

Keywords : Motives; sport participation; Mexico.

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