Sport, inclusion, and social transformation in vulnerable urban contexts

the case of Lucentum Zona Norte (Alicante, Spain).

Abstract

Sport is increasingly recognized at the international level as a powerful
driver of social transformation, particularly in urban contexts marked by
inequality and cultural diversity. This article analyzes the case of the Lucentum
Zona Norte project, a socio-sportive initiative developed in a neighborhood
with high levels of socioeconomic inequality in the city of Alicante
(Spain), which uses basketball as a tool for community intervention,
the promotion of healthy habits, and the creation of social bonds. From
the perspective of applied sociology, the study adopts an exploratory and
longitudinal methodological approach based on a single case study. The
research strategy combines both qualitative and quantitative techniques:
participant observation, interviews, the application of validated scales and
social impact indicators, as well as the systematic monitoring of participation.
In this preliminary phase, sociodemographic data on the sample (n=30)
are presented, along with attendance patterns crossed by gender, age, and
nationality. The results show high levels of female participation, sustained
engagement during adolescence, and daily coexistence among young people
from diverse backgrounds. These findings allow us to interpret sport
not merely as a physical space, but as a relational environment that fosters
recognition, belonging, and collective identity. The article concludes by highlighting
the potential of sport as a strategic tool for intervening in and
transforming communities.