Youth Participation in Sport

Youth participation in sport - what’s changing?

Brad Gilbert, Director of Sport

Balance is Better - Sport NZ

In New Zealand, numbers of youth participating in sport are decreasing. Our youth are missing out on the opportunity to be physically active and to reach their full potential.

A study by the National Alliance of Sports tells us that over 70% of young athletes leave competitive sports by the age of 14. In answer to this alarming statistic, Sport New Zealand has developed the ‘Balance is Better’ initiative with the aim of increasing our numbers in youth sport.

Sport New Zealand has recognized three problems that they believe are keeping the participation levels down. These being: high performance behaviours creeping into youth sport; too much pressure to be the best and win; and youth specialising in one sport.

It is important to remember the main reasons youth participate in sport. National research shows that young people play sport to have fun, be with their friends, and to develop and learn new skills. When young people stop enjoying a sport, they often drop out, which has a negative effect on their Hauora (social, spiritual, mental and physical well-being).

There are many things that we can do as adults that will have a positive influence on youth sport. Encouraging children to wait before specialising in one sport, even if they excel at a particular sport, and giving them the opportunity to experience a variety of sports and playing positions, will help to ensure enjoyment of sport in the long term.

What is important is that the focus is on learning, development and participant enjoyment of the game, not on the result of matches.

There are interesting articles and videos to watch on the ‘Balance is Better’ website: www.balanceisbetter.org.nz