Uncovering structural barriers to youth engagement in professional sports in Belgrade: A qualitative study.

Abstract

Abstract The structural barriers faced by young athletes in Belgrade during their transition to professional sports are analyzed in the context of socio-economic changes, with particular focus on the impact of transitioning to adulthood in post-socialist societies like Serbia. Utilizing the theoretical approach of social biography, the study examines how social structures and individual actions shape the life trajectories of these young athletes. The qualitative research includes semi-structured interviews with athletes from professional clubs in Belgrade, the epicenter of sports activities in the country. The aim is to identify the key structural barriers that hinder the professional development of athletes and to analyze the strategies they use to overcome these obstacles. The findings show that these challenges result from the complex interaction of socio-structural constraints and reliance on family resources, significantly shaping their social biographies and careers in sports.

Keywords

• Youth Athletes
• Structural Barriers
• Professional Sports
• Gender Disparities
• Social Biography