This study undertakes an analysis of government action of children within the Professional Institute João Alfredo (1910-1933), anchoring on the thinking of Michel Foucault. In this sense, there is a reflection on the sense of place and school gymnastics and football game in this field of knowledge within the institution analyzed. The examination of documentation, relating to the Institute, allowed realize that this field of knowledge was an integral part of the tactics of government run by the managers of the institution which sought to maintain normalcy as an institution designed and implemented to accommodate professional and poor kids, but not exclusively.
children; work; football; Instituto Profissional João Alfredo