Estrella Tobarra Rodrigo, a sociology graduate from the University of Alicante, has received the award for the best Bachelor's Thesis (TFG) from the Chair of Sports Studies at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Her research, titled “A sociological approach to community social capital through sport in vulnerable neighbourhoods: The case of Colonia Requena in Alicante”, was recognised for its significant contributions to the field.
The award ceremony took place at the UPV's School of Computer Engineering in Valencia, where it was presented by Luis Cervera Torres, the General Director of Sport for the Valencian Government, alongside Santiago Guillem Picó, the Vice-Rector for Coexistence and Wellbeing at UPV.
Tobarra Rodrigo defended her thesis in 2024 under the supervision of Liberto Carratalá Puertas, a professor in the Department of Sociology I. Her work received the highest possible score, a 10 with an honourable mention, and was also awarded by the Germán Bernácer Chair at the University of Alicante.
The research investigates the role of sport in generating community social capital in Colonia Requena, a neighbourhood in Alicante known for its social vulnerabilities and ethnic diversity. Using primary data collected in the field, the study develops a structural equation model to explore the relationships between sports practice, the values associated with sport, and the construction of social fabric.
Among its key findings, the research identifies the positive influence of community social capital on participation in collective sports activities and the formation of a shared identity among residents. The study highlights how social cohesion and individual autonomy linked to sporting values contribute to strengthening these community dynamics.
Furthermore, the research confirms a feedback relationship between these factors: increased participation in group sports activities enhances connections among residents and fosters a sense of belonging to the neighbourhood, while community strengthening creates new opportunities for collective engagement.
The findings provide evidence of sport's ability to contribute to social intervention and community cohesion in vulnerable environments, offering valuable insights for public administrations, social entities, and sports organisations involved in initiatives within these contexts.
