Correlation analysis between soccer participation and liking or being proficient in it: A study with children and adolescents in China

Children's and adolescents' participation in soccer is low in all regions of China. To achieve coordinated development of soccer in all regions and contribute to a strong sports nation, this study aims to identify the factors that influence the participation of children and adolescents in soccer programs through a cross-sectional analysis of the "soccer population" of children and adolescents aged 7–18. A total of 38,258 children and adolescents aged 7–18 completed a questionnaire; children in the 7–9 age group were helped by their primary guardians. The questions concerned the family level, school level, community level, and individual level. The results showed that the area of the region and the average annual precipitation were correlated with the participation of children and adolescents in soccer programs. In addition, the percentage of children and adolescents participating in soccer programs was higher than the percentage of those who liked it and were proficient in it. Parental encouragement and support, as well as easy access, availability, and safety of sports facilities, are likely to promote children's and adolescents' participation in soccer programs.