Community Fútbol Coaches Working Together to Prevent Violence and Promote Positive Youth Development in Colombia

Abstract

In resource-limited settings in Colombia, there is a lack of safe spaces for youth, with adolescent males being 10 times more susceptible to physical violence than females. Acknowledging the potential of community-led sports-based interventions, we examined how community fútbol (a.k.a. soccer or football) coaches in the Caribbean region of Colombia prevent youth violence exposure. By conducting in-depth qualitative interviews with 13 community coaches, we explore how fútbol, recognised as the world's most popular sport, serves as a space and tool for violence prevention. Our mixed methods study employs qualitative interviews and social network analysis (SNA). The findings reveal that the community's vulnerability, including familial violence and drug use, has detrimental effects on children. Community coaches, positioned as trusted figures, strive to positively influence youth by instilling essential life skills. However, they face challenges such as resource scarcity, limited institutional support and financial difficulties. The coaches express the need to balance adolescents' socioemotional development and the competitive nature of tournaments (olympism). Moreover, a disconnection between community coaches and NGOs utilising Fútbol for Development stems from differing aims. We argue that collaboration between these two groups holds ample opportunities for mutual benefit and enhanced youth impact.