Immigrant girls and female adolescents' access to sports in Helsinki
Maisala-McDonnell, Heini (2020)
Lataukset:
Maisala-McDonnell, Heini
2020
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020121728936
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2020121728936
Tiivistelmä
Young immigrant male participation in football is generally high in relation to the percentage of the population in Eastern Helsinki. Young immigrant female participation is significantly lowerwith only a few individuals participating. The purpose of the thesis wasto assist immigrant girls and female adolescents to access sports and receive the benefits of participating in sports as same age-group non-immigrant girls and female adolescents, and their male immigrant counterparts get. The objectives were to define the benefits of sports, especially team sports, identify possible barriers that prevent young immigrant females’ participation, and assist in creating solutions to increase their participation in sports. In the thesis, FC Kontu, a football club serving Eastern Helsinki, was the collaborative organization. The goal was to produce invitational, informative material whichcan be used to educate immigrant girls and female adolescents, and their parents about the benefits of participating in sports and to address the possible barriers preventing the participation, for example apparel options. FC Kontu has now a club hijab available in their gear list.
The thesis research included 13 anonymous, thematic interviews with football personnel about immigrant girls and female adolescents’ participation in football. The main barrier was identified as the parents’ influence on their daughters’ ability to participate in sports. Parents’ cultural and religious backgrounds impact their views. Gender roles define young females’ duties and which activities are suitable for them. Young female immigrants are taking care of younger siblings, have more home chores than males, and their activities outside of the home are not valued as much as young males’ activities. Language and cost were not considered primary barriers nor gender specific barriers in this context.
Based on the results in this thesis, it was confirmed that forming a special group for immigrant girls is necessary. FC Kontu is planning a low threshold football group and a summer camp for immigrant girls. Acampaign based on the information in the thesis about the benefits of participating in sports has been initiated to educate parents about the importance of their daughters’ participation. Developing connections with parents and increasing their involvementis of paramount importance.
FC Kontu has had a good collaboration with the City of Helsinki in participating in physical education at the local schools, hosting activity clubs, and organising sports events. The cooperation is expected to continue and expand.
The thesis research included 13 anonymous, thematic interviews with football personnel about immigrant girls and female adolescents’ participation in football. The main barrier was identified as the parents’ influence on their daughters’ ability to participate in sports. Parents’ cultural and religious backgrounds impact their views. Gender roles define young females’ duties and which activities are suitable for them. Young female immigrants are taking care of younger siblings, have more home chores than males, and their activities outside of the home are not valued as much as young males’ activities. Language and cost were not considered primary barriers nor gender specific barriers in this context.
Based on the results in this thesis, it was confirmed that forming a special group for immigrant girls is necessary. FC Kontu is planning a low threshold football group and a summer camp for immigrant girls. Acampaign based on the information in the thesis about the benefits of participating in sports has been initiated to educate parents about the importance of their daughters’ participation. Developing connections with parents and increasing their involvementis of paramount importance.
FC Kontu has had a good collaboration with the City of Helsinki in participating in physical education at the local schools, hosting activity clubs, and organising sports events. The cooperation is expected to continue and expand.