Sport pedagogy, religious and young people: A review of current evidence

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between religious faith and young people's participation in physical education (PE) and sports, focusing on how faith can positively and negatively influence their experience as students or/and athletes. Several scientific articles published in the last twenty years and related books were studied. The analysis of these studies led to three main thematic areas: a) ways in which young people integrate their faith into PE and sports, b) challenges they face in connecting faith and athletic identity, and c) the overall impact of their faith on sports activities. The findings show that faith can provide inner strength, help manage stress, and give meaning to athletic endeavors. At the same time, in some institutional and cultural contexts, religious young people face obstacles, such as restrictions due to clothing, a lack of understanding from educators, or even exclusion. Despite the differences between the articles, there is a common recognition of the importance of faith for many young students and athletes and the need to create supportive environments that respect their religious identity.