Regional identity can typically be described as “rural” or “urban,” though it is also heavily influenced by broader geographic norms and cultural customs. Thus, while regional identity includes objective influencers (e.g., population counts), it also includes a range of subjective influences (e.g., media portrayals, self-perception).
Ultimately, regional identity encompasses a range of individual experiences that, at times, contain common threads (Malatzky & Bourke, 2016). Common threads among rural culture may include stoicism, independence, emphasis on family, strong community ties, defined gender roles, stronger mental health stigma, and emphasis on “play” experiences.
In contrast, common threads in urban culture may include an emphasis on correcting social inequalities, being an active citizen, staying connected to “home,” autonomy, individualism, and a stronger draw for sports participation. Of importance, rurality and urbanicity are not homogenous and, instead, may draw from common structural and attitudinal elements.
Rural athletes are generally more likely to cross-sport, which is beneficial for athlete development, reduces the risk of overuse injuries, and reduces the risk of burnout early in one’s collegiate career. In addition, a body of literature describes rural areas as placing a heavier emphasis on unstructured, outdoor, and risky play, which improves physical literacy and leads to more “well-rounded” individuals who are used to and confident functioning with autonomy (Hoekman, Breedveld, & Kraaykamp, 2017; Newport et al., 2022; Webb, 2019). In contrast, urban areas are more likely to emphasize programmed and structured activities and sports, often as a result of safety, access, and proximity limitations.
A high level of connection to neighboring adults in rural environments promotes healthy/safe roaming and positive role models; however, this same level of connection may also result in rural parents placing heightened........