“Queens of the Court”: Women’s Experiences in a University Recreational Women’s Futsal Project

Abstract

Women’s participation in sports is still marked by inequalities related to prejudice, a lack of encouragement, lower visibility, and a limited supply of safe and welcoming spaces. In this context, university extension projects can help expand women’s access to sports and foster experiences of participation, social interaction, and a sense of belonging. The objective of this study was to understand women’s perceptions of their experiences in a university recreational women’s futsal project called “Donas da Quadra.” This was an observational, cross-sectional, qualitative study conducted with 13 women participating in the extension project developed by the School of Physical Education in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Data were collected via an online questionnaire made available through Google Forms, which included demographic questions and items related to the participants’ perceptions, experiences, and lived realities. The responses were organized in a spreadsheet and subjected to descriptive analysis. The results highlighted challenges facing women’s futsal, particularly those related to prejudice, unequal opportunities, a lack of encouragement, and the absence of welcoming environments. In contrast, “Donas da Quadra” was perceived as a safe space offering acceptance, a sense of belonging, and socialization, fostering friendships, leisure time, stress reduction, confidence, and autonomy. Benefits related to emotional well-being were also reported, in addition to technical learning and the development of values such as respect, inclusion, and teamwork. It is concluded that recreational women’s futsal projects can increase women’s participation in the sport and provide experiences of leisure, learning, well-being, and a sense of belonging.