Social Soccer in Three Times: Observations of a Festival Association in Caju, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2014

Abstract

The aim of this article lies in exposing research findings about the use of sport, of football in particular, as a tool for social work. Based on the observation of the Football for Hope´s festival carried out in Caju, the harbor area of Rio de Janeiro, during the World Cup of Brazil 2014, social accompaniment through football is discussed. Taking into consideration other international researches already conducted, the data here presented emanates from the narratives of the participants interviewed and ethnographic observation of this festival that is characterized by the use of a kind of football with three halves. The article reviews the participants´ perceptions about their past, the experience of the festival and their expectations as the ultimate recipients.