CHILDREN'S SOCCER AS A TOOL FOR SOCIO-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: COMPETITIVENESS, COOPERATION AND PLAYFUL LEARNING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Abstract

Children's soccer, in addition to being a sport, plays an essential role in the socio-emotional development of children. Based on the studies of Côté, Baker and Abernethy (2007), which highlight the importance of sports experimentation in childhood, this research aimed to analyze the influence of soccer practice on the construction of skills such as emotional resilience, engagement with others and self-management in children aged 4 to 5 years and 11 months. The methodology adopted involved the application of virtual forms to parents and guardians of children who practice soccer, as well as to teachers who work in this age group, in two schools in the municipality of Caucaia. The results corroborate the findings of Bettega et al. (2021), when they indicate that, even at early ages, competition should be understood as a means of learning and developing skills, and not just as a search for victory. The data revealed that, when entering the sport, many children faced challenges in social life and emotional regulation, but, over time, they showed significant advances, especially in teamwork and in the ability to deal with frustrations. The testimonies collected reinforced that the pedagogical dynamics of training, group exercises and occasional competitions contribute directly to this progress. Thus, the research concludes that soccer, when conducted in a pedagogical and playful way, is an important tool for the integral development of the child, promoting essential skills for life.