Soccer a path of hope for young people with cerebral palsy in Cordoba Colombia

Abstract

Football, viewed from a training and inclusion perspective, allows improving the living conditions of many young people who are diagnosed with a physical disability of cerebral origin known in the world of health as cerebral palsy. From that perspective, the objective of this article is analyze how soccer has allowed social inclusion by strengthening sports and social skills in this type of population. In the research process, the concepts of disability, cerebral palsy, inclusion and adapted 7-a-side football are addressed. From a qualitative perspective, the methodology used was the life story, the techniques used were direct observation, semi-structured interviews and for the elaboration of stories of stories that have marked the development of their lives where through various narratives It was possible to know and establish as results that sport has allowed people who have this disability to change paradigms and see themselves as subjects of rights. It was evident that many of those interviewed managed to feel included thanks to soccer, reflected in the life stories narrated by each of the young people who participated in the study. Drawing conclusions that football is a strategy that contributes to improving social relationships, personal improvement and also in all populations, from its popular and global character, it has the power to unite, to socialize, to think differently and above all to include, demonstrating that this sport is a universal language that becomes a path of hope for young people with cerebral palsy.