Non-professional Soccer in Florianopolis, Brazil: work notes

Abstract

This paper aims to show some aspects of amateur soccer practiced in urban neighborhoods, rural communities and popular clubs. It is an apparently undergrounded, barely visible practice, if we consider the material and symbolic importance of its corresponded professional practice. Considering the development and institutionalization of soccer in Florianópolis (Brazil), we conduct our refl ections through document review and an interview with one of the leaders of the local league, the Florianopolitana Soccer League (LIFF). We compose a portrait of not professional soccer in the capital of the State Santa Catarina and conclude that the model of professionalization is the framework of this practice, i.e. more rationalization, seriousness and competitiveness in organized events.