THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC PRACTICES AS AN EMOTIONAL RESOURCE FOR ADDRESSING STRESSORS IN THE DAILY LIVES OF YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

This article aimed to investigate the emotional impact on the lives of adolescent youth-level soccer players and to relate the collected data to scientific literature in the fields of sports and psychology. The research objectives seek to contribute to the reflection on mental health within the sports environment and to assist athletes in developing the emotional skills needed to cope with the obstacles and anxieties common to playing soccer. The chosen methodology follows a qualitative and participatory research approach, focusing on thematic issues regarding the players' daily lives. To this end, Action Research was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 26 players to subsequently design educational practices grounded in acknowledging and listening to emotions; the goal was to help mitigate the harmful effects of stress and foster other benefits in sports practice, where social interaction and learning play a fundamental role in achieving optimal performance. The study investigated the process of developing educational practices by considering sources of tension and affective mediation in the daily interactions of young players in the youth categories of Artsul Futebol Clube. The study made it possible to correlate how anxiety and depression can affect young athletes' performance and to analyze the players' understanding of the importance of discussing these topics in a sports setting, highlighting the value of seeking help and fostering team spirit within the competitive world of sports.