Abstract

The purpose was to compare parents of children(5-10 years) who participate in youth soccer with parents whose children do not participate in soccer (N=165) via a questionnaire. Results indicated significant differences bewteen parents with children in youth soccer versus parents whose children did not participate, yet similar to children's reasons reported in the literature. Although not demographically different, parents whose children participated in soccer noted more benefits to sport participation than did parents whose children did not participate. Parents of participating children indicated different behaviors toward and attitudes about sport participation. Understanding parental differences may assist in better understanding adherence and attrition aspects of youth soccer in relationship to parents as well as the environments of specific youth sports. Verf.-Referat