Motivations and sports practice in the commune of Saint-Louis: the case of young footballers from soccer training centers

Abstract

The commune of Saint-Louis stands out in the Senegalese soccer landscape for the titles won by its clubs, but above all for its strong propensity to supply the Senegal national team with internationally competitive players. The social and professional success of these footballers has led to the creation and proliferation of training centers in the commune. Despite the difficulties faced by soccer training centers, more and more young people are seeking to improve their social conditions through soccer, by becoming professional footballers.

Our research aims to collect and analyze the motivations that drive young footballers to attend training centers in the commune of Saint-Louis. To carry out this study, we adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and processing. This research reveals that young people enter the training centers in the commune of Saint-Louis to become professional footballers, to benefit from quality coaching, to evolve in an environment conducive to their success, to earn money to help their parents and the needy, but also to have a great career. The status of professional player enables them to indulge in their passion, but also to have a better image of themselves in the eyes of society.