Master Thesis : "What impact does the practice of sporting activities have on the lives of unaccompanied minor migrants in the province of Liège, Belgium?"

Abstract

This study examines the impact of sports activities on unaccompanied minor migrants (UMMs) in Liège, Belgium. Through a combination of participant and non-participant ethnographic observations, interviews, and fieldwork in various reception centers and NGOs, this interdisciplinary research highlights the multifaceted roles of sports. It provides insights into the conditions faced by UMMs and explores how sports can influence their experiences of trauma. Additionally, this study critically evaluates the integrative role attributed to sports by European policies, offering a theoretical framework and critique of the concept. The analysis of the results demonstrates that while sports can facilitate intra-group integration and skill transfer, the beneficial effects are largely dependent on the organization and social interactions surrounding the activities. This research underscores that sport alone is not inherently integrative; rather, it is the structure and relationships formed around sports that significantly influence its impact.