Exploring constraints to sport participation among immigrant adolescent girls who reside in the Greater Toronto Area

Abstract

Rates of sport participation decrease during adolescence, particularly among girls. Although research has documented this decline, it tends to largely ignore diverse samples such as immigrants. This study explored constraints to sport participation among immigrant adolescent girls who reside in the GTA using a mixed-methods design. Guided by Newell’s theory of constraints, secondary analysis consisting of bivariate and multivariate analyses was conducted on survey responses from 90 participants to examine significant constraints to sport participation and compare results with their non-immigrant counterparts. Results were further explored through semi-structured interviews with seven participants, which were guided through an interpretive phenomenological approach. The information gathered highlighted constraints to sport participation faced among this sample which may aid in informing future programs related to sport participation. Importantly, findings are relevant for knowledge mobilization efforts that aim to increase rates of sport participation among girls.