SOCCER AS A MEANS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, THROUGH SOCIAL INCLUSION

Abstract

This article sought to combine sports science with the science of the mind, discussing their importance and aiming to analyze soccer as an effective tool for psychological development and social inclusion. The research adopts a qualitative approach, bibliographic in nature, based on authors from sports psychology. The results show that soccer goes beyond its competitive nature, becoming a space favorable to emotional strengthening, the development of self-esteem and the construction of values such as cooperation, respect, discipline and a sense of belonging. Furthermore, sport is accessible and democratic, promoting the integration of individuals from different social contexts and contributing significantly to the reduction of social exclusion. In this way, soccer plays an important role both in the individual growth of players and in promoting concrete social transformations. Therefore, sport, especially soccer, must be recognized as an educational, inclusive and integrative resource, capable of stimulating human development and strengthening community ties in different social realities.