Objectives: Adolescence is a transitional period in which young people experience significant psychological, biological, cognitive, social/ emotional, and interpersonal changes. During this period, participation in sports contributes to the positive development of the mind and body. This study aimed to evaluate the motivations for sports participation and general psychopathology risk of male football players in the early adolescence period and to examine their relationship with family education and socio-economic levels. Materials and Methods: Thirteen and fourteen year old players invited to the national team selections by the Turkish Football Federation were evaluated. The Sports Motivation Scale (SMS), the Childhood Depression Inventory (CDI), and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) were used in data collection. Bivariate, multivariate and correlation analyses were conducted. Results: 57.3% of the participants, were born in the first quartile of the year. There was a negative correlation between the level of parents’ education and the years of experience in football. There was no difference between chronological age, age quartiles, and SMS, CDI, or SCARED scores. On the regression analysis, the amotivation score lead to increased depression scores (odds ratio: 2.099, confidence interval: 1.074- 4.101, p=0.030). Conclusion: In the early adolescent period, playing soccer can reduce depression risk scores. It should be remembered that role models and environmental factors might be important determinants for adolescents.