Sports and belonging: the impact of sports on newcomer youth integration at the community level

There is a claim that participation in sports inherently cultivates a sense of belonging and promotes social integration for newcomer youth, a claim that remains rather uncontested. This MRP explores the impact of sport participation and involvement on newcomer youths’ integration process at the community level. Using theoretical approaches of acculturation and social integration while reviewing empirical research from different disciplines of academia, this MRP seeks to explore the implications, negotiations, and perspectives correlated with the integration of newcomer youth through and/or within sport participation (Berry et al., 2006; Elling et al., 2001). The research explores the meanings that social integration holds for newcomer youth, as well as the motivating factors and impediments. This paper provides thematic insights regarding the integrative role of sports, negotiations of belonging, and models of participation. Finally, it seeks to inform Canadian policymakers and sports-based organizations with respect to fostering

integration through the sports landscape.

Key Words: Newcomer youth; belonging; sports participation; social integration; acculturation; soccer