Quebrando barreiras: a jornada de uma mulher em direção ao futebol profissional no Brasil como treinadora

Abstract

This Course Conclusion Paper (TCC) for a degree in Physical Education from the Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy at the Federal University of Uberlândia aimed to investigate the presence and performance of women as coaches in high-performance soccer in Brazil. Based on the study of gender and sports, the research is linked to the Education, Sexualities and Performativities Research Group (GPESP) and aimed to understand the career path of a woman working in Brazil as a soccer coach in high-performance sports. The qualitative, exploratory research used a closed questionnaire and a structured interview as instruments for generating data. The participants were coaches working in a high-performance team in a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais. The results show that the start of a career in professional soccer took place during childhood and was accompanied by an investment in training via specialized courses. The high costs of obtaining licenses to play in high-performance sports and reconciling professional and family life were pointed out as difficulties. With regard to achievements, we noted the desire to contribute to the visibility and consolidation of women's soccer in the municipality in which she worked at the time the data was produced.