Lifelong Sport

When Tina Turner sang, “What’s love got to do with it?” she likely wasn’t thinking about youth sports. Yet, this question is central to a critical issue in sports today: retaining children in athletic programs from childhood through adulthood. As a thought leader in this field, I’m here to share insights on why fostering a love for sports in children is essential and how we can achieve this.

Understanding What Makes Kids Fall in Love with Sports

 To ensure children remain engaged in sports, we need to focus on their love for the game. This love is fostered not by winning or trophies but by creating environments where children find joy and a place where they can develop their intrinsic motivation.

1. Getting to Know Your Audience

 The first step is to understand the primary audience: the players, not their parents. While parents handle the logistics and costs, the players’ experiences determine whether they will continue. If children aren’t enjoying themselves, no amount of parental encouragement will keep them coming back. Therefore, understanding what drives kids to play sports is paramount.

2. Listening to the Players

 Research, such as the proactive player survey conducted by British Columbia Soccer, has shown the importance of bypassing parents and coaches to get direct feedback from players. By going directly to the players for their responses, the survey drilled into the real reasons kids stay or leave, highlighting the discrepancies between what adults think children want and what they actually need.

3. The Real Reasons Kids Play Sports

One of the biggest insights from such research is the disconnect between adult and youth perspectives on success in sports. Kids primarily seek enjoyment, social connections, and personal development. For example, young Sarah might play soccer to meet friends outside her school circle, while Billy loves the thrill of making a crucial save as a goalkeeper.

4. Fun Factors

 Dr. Amanda Visek’s research identified 81 determinants of fun in team sports, categorized into 11 fun factors. The top factors included:

• Trying your best
• Respectful treatment by coaches
• Getting playing time
• Playing well as a team
• Getting along with teammates

These factors emphasize personal effort, respectful interactions, and team dynamics over winning or receiving awards. Interestingly, winning ranked low on both importance and frequency, debunking the myth that victory is the primary motivator for young athletes.

5. Creating a Positive Environment

To foster long-term engagement, sports programs must create environments that align with all demographics want and need from their sporting experience. For example, what children find fun and fulfilling typically involves:

• Respectful Coaching: Coaches must treat players with respect, provide clear communication, and encourage a positive atmosphere.
• Personal Growth: Programs should focus on helping children try their best, improve their skills, and feel accomplished.
• Social Connections: Facilitating friendships and team cohesion can significantly enhance the enjoyment of sports.

6. Addressing the Dropout Problem

Understanding why kids quit sports is as crucial as knowing why they join. Common reasons for quitting include:

• Overemphasis on winning
• Loss of interest (due to lack of fun)
• Poor coaching
• Excessive pressure

These factors often stem from adult influences, such as coaches prioritizing winning or parents placing undue pressure on children. Addressing these issues requires a shift in focus towards creating a supportive and enjoyable environment.

7. Tailoring Programs to Player Needs

 Programs need to be flexible and responsive to the needs of their participants. This might involve modifying training sessions, offering diverse activities, and ensuring that every child feels valued and included.

8. The Role of Coaches

Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping the sports experience. Effective coaches are positive, encouraging, and skilled communicators who prioritize the development and enjoyment of their players. By focusing on individual motivations and creating a positive team dynamic, coaches can significantly enhance player retention.

Final Thoughts

Creating a lifelong love for sports in children involves understanding their motivations, creating supportive environments, and continuously adapting based on feedback. By focusing on what truly makes sports enjoyable for kids—personal effort, respect, and social connections—we can ensure they stay engaged and carry this love into adulthood.

As we rethink our approach to youth sports, let’s remember the essence of why children play. It’s not about winning trophies but about finding joy, building friendships, and experiencing personal growth. When we get this right, we foster a lifelong passion for sports that benefits individuals and communities alike.

So, what’s love got to do with it? Everything. By prioritising love and enjoyment in sports, we can keep children engaged, healthy, and happy throughout their lives.

I am excited to bring greater insights and information on the above topic in my book due for release this September 2024. Please follow my page or subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated on the launch date and pre-release sales information.