sport promotes positive character development and long-term health
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Sport can enhance children's confidence, self esteem, academic performance, and social skills in addition to improving their ability to manage anxiety and depression.
- Ortega, F., Ruiz, J., Castillo, M. et al. Physical fitness in childhood and adolescence: a powerful marker of health. Int J Obes 32, 1–11 (2008). |
The health benefits of physical activity in childhood continuously promote and protect the individual's health into adulthood.
- World Health Organization. Health and development through physical activity and sport. No. WHO/NMH/NPH/PAH/03.2. World Health Organization, 2003. - Ruiz JR, Castro-Piñero J, Artero EG, et al. Predictive validity of health-related fitness in youth: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2009;43:909-923. |
therefore, engaging in physical activity as a child is an investment in their development, health and wellbeing into adulthood.
promoting, supporting, and easing access to sport
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Promoting a wide variety of sport opportunities is protective.
Reduces risk of: injury, burnout, and sport dropout - Jayanthi, Neeru, et al. "Sports specialization in young athletes: evidence-based recommendations." Sports health 5.3 (2013): 251-257. - Fraser-Thomas, Jessica L., Jean Côté, and Janice Deakin. "Youth sport programs: An avenue to foster positive youth development." Physical education & sport pedagogy 10.1 (2005): 19-40. |
Partnering with dozens of local organizations pools resources, reduces costs, and creates a collective dedicated to supporting youth sport.
- Jones, Gareth J., et al. "Collaborative advantages: The role of interorganizational partnerships for youth sport nonprofit organizations." Journal of Sport Management 31.2 (2017): 148-160. |
Many factors act as barriers to sport participation including time constraints, costs, travel times, stereotypes, fear, and lack of skill.
-Somerset, S., Hoare, D.J. Barriers to voluntary participation in sport for children: a systematic review. BMC Pediatr 18, 47 (2018). |