Clubs sportifs et petites villes dans le Massif central : entre dynamiques socio-démographiques et recompositions territoriales

Abstract

This article proposes to study sports clubs in small towns in the Massif Central. The sports club is at the crossroads of several influences. It participates in local life but it is also subject to the socio-spatial evolutions and recompositions which take place in its territory. We will therefore try to understand how these socio-demographic factors affect the vitality of local sports clubs. It would appear that the link between demographic and sporting dynamics is not sufficient in itself to explain the contrasting situations observed in the Massif Central. Indeed, contrary developments can be found at the level of a small town. More detailed case studies, going beyond the simple statistical framework, allow us to understand what other factors are involved locally and to address more social and spatial issues related to the recomfiguration of these small towns.

Keywords

• Massif central
• periurban
• small town
• sports club
• territorial reconfiguration