Examining Constraints to Sport Participation among Immigrant Adolescent Girls who reside in the Greater Toronto Area

Abstract

Despite numerous benefits associated with sport, rates of sport participation are low among adolescent girls. Although research has documented this decline, it tends to ignore diverse samples such as immigrants. This study examined constraints to sport participation among immigrant adolescent girls who reside in the Greater Toronto Area. Guided by Newell’s theory of constraints, a secondary analysis was conducted on survey responses from 90 participants. Constraints found among immigrant girls included family sport participation, friends encouragement, belief that certain sports were not for girls and physical intensity. Additionally, findings showed that immigrant girls face more environmental constraints compared to those who did not immigrate. Information gathered highlights constraints among this sample which may aid in informing future programs.