Opinions of high school students playing in school teams on self confidence and sense of responsibility

The main objective of this research is to investigate the opinions of high school students playing in school teams regarding their self-confidence and sense of responsibility, and to reveal the effects of team sports on their personal and social development using a qualitative approach. The research was conducted within the framework of a qualitative research approach using the phenomenological (interpretive) design. The study group consisted of eight volunteer students (three females and five males) studying at a sports high school in the city center of Şırnak, all of whom have been actively participating in team sports for at least two years. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the content analysis method. The analysis revealed that students associate sports not only with physical development but also with gaining self-confidence, developing self-discipline, strengthening social relationships, building a sense of responsibility, and enhancing emotional resilience. Participants emphasized that team sports reinforce their sense of belonging, while striving toward common goals increases their motivation and commitment. Furthermore, it was found that coping with criticism, developing error awareness, and improving emotional control skills were among the personal growth outcomes supported by sports participation. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that sports play a significant role in students' development not only physically but also in terms of psychological flexibility, social adaptation, and identity formation. Based on these results, it is recommended that sports high schools implement programs that support students' social adjustment, self-discipline, and time management skills to help them balance academic and athletic responsibilities.