ABSTRACT
This research aimed to explore the impediments to effective sports participation among student-athletes at tertiary institutions. The study employed a descriptive survey design, focusing on a diverse population of student-athletes across five universities in Edo State, Nigeria. The research was guided by six main research questions, examining time management challenges, financial constraints, injury and health issues, the role of social support networks, the quality of coaching and training, academic pressures, and strategies for support by universities and sports administrators. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire distributed to a sample size of 200 student-athletes. The questionnaire was vetted for validity and reliability, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the various aspects of sports participation among student-athletes. Analysis of the data was conducted using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed significant impediments in time management, financial constraints, and injury and health issues. Social support networks were found to play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being and motivation of student-athletes. The quality of coaching and training was identified as a critical factor affecting sports participation. Academic pressures were IX highlighted as a significant barrier, with various degrees of impact on student-athletes. Based on these findings, the study concluded that studentathletes face multifaceted challenges that affect their sports participation and overall well-being. It emphasized the need for comprehensive support systems that address these diverse challenges. Recommendations included the development of gender-sensitive programs, awareness campaigns for equal opportunities,. The study also proposed future research directions, focusing on longitudinal studies, comparing different locations, testing recommended strategies, and exploring the role of technology in sports participation among students.
