Female pelota players. Our group, our hour

Abstract

Participation in sports and physical activity promotes and enhances social networks. Furthermore, these relationships are important for women to participate. In this report we pre- sent the main points that emerged from an ethnographic study of the social relationships that playing Basque pelota can provide. The study was carried out on a sample of adult women, players in the area of recreation. The results suggest that the sense of community and team membership are the most important aspects for players. The sense of belonging to their group is the fundamental reason why they practise this sport. Female pelotaris share the desire to relate to each other both on the field and off.