Participation styles in youth soccer
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A small number of researchers interested in the ecology of physical activity settings has made a significant contribution to the literature by examining how the participation styles of children, youth, and adults can differ during the same program. The purpose of this study was to describe the participation styles of 52 children enrolled in one under-12 youth sport soccer program. Secondary participants were the program's six instructors. Data were collected using four qualitative techniques: non-participant observation, formal interviews, informal interviews, and stimulated recall interviews. They were analyzed by employing the techniques of analytic induction and constant comparison. Seven participation styles were identified. Unlike those described in previous studies, these participation styles were not based on a hierarchy in which those at the top learned to bully and humiliate those at the bottom. Potential reasons for this finding are examined.