588 - "Futbolito for All” After-School Soccer Intervention: Exploring the Role of Unmet Social Determinants of Health Needs in Boosting Physical Activity for Latino Kids in Houston’s Underserved Communities

Publication Number: 4576.588

Christopher Kulesza, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, Houston, TX, United States; Andrea Ramirez Varela, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Sandra L. McKay, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Missouri City, TX, United States

Background: Only 23% of children/adolescents ages 6-17 years meet physical activity (PA) guidelines in the US with Latino children being the least active compared to other ethnic groups. Despite being an effective and culturally acceptable PA promotion strategy for Latino children, soccer-based interventions have not been widely utilized.

Objective: To examine the feasibility, effectiveness, acceptability, adaptability, and scalability of "Futbolito for All," a 5-week after school-based soccer program held in collaboration with the Dynamo and Dash Professional Soccer MLS Teams Charities, in promoting PA among 8-12 y/o Latino children.

Design/Methods: This pilot study was conducted in two Latino majority schools in Harris County, Texas between spring and summer 2025 (Figure 1). Our study used a pre- and post-intervention design, in which we conducted surveys with children, their parents, and school leadership. The baseline survey included sociodemographic and SDOH characteristics, and a self-report PA assessment. Direct observation of PA sessions was conducted during program implementation. The post-intervention survey included PA self-report, implementation outcomes assessment, and parent and school leaders semi-structured interviews.

Results: Futbolito enrolled 42 elementary students and 51 middle school students across the spring and summer sessions, representing a 77.5% enrollment of capacity. Students were on average 11 years old, 73% were male, and 88.2% were Latino (Table 1). Over 80% of planned activities were implemented as intended, demonstrating consistent program delivery throughout the intervention period. Students were significantly more likely to report medium PA levels (χ²(2) = 6.35, p < .05) at the program's conclusion. Groups with low and medium physical activity levels increased their physical activity scores (Figure 2). Teacher survey results showed that 90.0% felt that the program seemed a good match for the school, applicable, suitable, fitting. Survey results indicated that 91% of parents and 74% of students rated the program as "excellent" on a five-point Likert scale. Parent interview results suggest that the program provides a free and accessible opportunity for low-income parents for their children to engage in physical activity. Overall, results indicate that the model could be integrated into existing school structures.

Conclusion(s): The findings provide insights into the implementation, adaptation and scalability of culturally tailored sports programs to promote child PA and reduce health disparities among low-income Latino communities.

Figure 1: 5-Week Soccer Programming Intervention
The Futbolito for All program included two schools with an enrollment capacity of 30 students each per semester. Sessions were held weekly for 90 minutes for five weeks. The study included pre- and post- surveys with direct PA observation occurring during program implementation.

Table 1: Participant Demographics
Students primarily identified as male and Latino/Hispanic. The mean age of students was 11.2 years with a range of 8-13 years with most being in 6th grade.

Figure 2: Student Pre vs. Post Survey Physical Activity Score Distribution
Groups with low and medium physical activity increased their physical activity scores.