<p>The aim of this study is to determine the motivational structure of youths for practicing<br />sports. The research included 60 participants, of both sexes, all aged between 13 and 16. The<br />survey method was applied. The research results showed the following facts: that intrinsic<br />motivation is the main instigator for practicing sports and 58.33% of the participants personally<br />made the decision to start doing sports. As for the structure of motives, health is in the first place<br />of importance, followed by love for sports, then success, friendship, popularity and good looks. Money as primary motive is penultimate instigator, while fun is the last main motive for doing<br />sports. The hierarchy of motives for initial involvement in sports activities does not differ on the<br />basis of gender. Children are most intensively involved in sports between 6 and 10 years of age. The main conclusion of the research is that coaches should improve the consciousness of<br />practicing sports for the purposes of fun and friendship.</p>