LA SOCIALISATION DES PRATIQUES SPORTIVES : LES EFFETS DU SOUTIEN ET DE L INFLUENCE DES PARENTS SUR LA FORMATION DU GOUT SPORTIF DES JEUNES AU SEIN L UNIVERSITE BASKETBALL SCHOOL (UBS) DE SAINT-LOUIS

This study examines the influence of parental support and parental influence on the development of sport preference among young athletes enrolled at the University Basketball School (UBS) in Saint-Louis, Senegal. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from a sample of thirty adolescents (15 girls and 15 boys, aged 14 to 15) through a structured questionnaire. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed to identify the familial determinants of sport motivation. The findings indicate that parental support has a stronger effect (B = 0.489) than parental influence (B = 0.422), together explaining 78.2% of the variance in sport preference. These results highlight that young athletes motivation and engagement are largely shaped by a supportive and caring family environment. Theoretically, the study confirms the relevance of family socialization models and Self-Determination Theory in understanding the emergence of sport preference. Practically, it advocates for greater parental involvement in youth sport programs, emphasizing positive engagement that fosters enjoyment, perseverance, and holistic development within educational and athletic settings.