Promoting Positive Development Through School and Community

Sport Programs

Nicholas L. HoltChild & Adolescent Sport & Activity Lab

University of Alberta

Objectives

Positive Youth Development• Strength-based

• “Resources to be developed”

• Transfer

• Quality Sport+ = ↑PYD

• ONLY 9% of boys and 4% of girls meet the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines (Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2011).

We are Failing! F

BUT…. Organized Sport Participation

• ~ 50% participation rates

• 1,600 more steps per day

• Youth sport participation PA in adulthood

C

Source: Active Healthy Kids Canada 2011 Report Card

Sport and Youth DevelopmentNegative outcomes

Use of alcohol Perf-enhancing drugs Undesirable social norms Injury Eating disorders

Positive outcomes

Self-esteem Skill development Teamwork/social skills Grade point averages Attendance Fruit consumption

↓ Depression↓ School dropout

Selected Sources:(Barber, Eccles, & Stone, 2001; Collis & Griffin, 1993; Eccles & Barber, 1999; Eder & Parker, 1987; Hansen, Larson, & Dworkin, 2003; Mahoney, 2000; Marsh & Kleitman, 2003; Martinek, McLaughlin, & Schilling, 1999; McNeal, 1995; Melnick, Miller, Sabo, Farrell, & Barnes, 2001; Novick & Glasgow, 1993; Pate et al., 2000; Pedersen & Seidman, 2004; Rainey, McKeown, Sargent, & Valois, 1996; Richman & Shaffer, 2000; Ryckman & Hamel, 1995; Sabo, Miller, Farrell, Melnick, & Barnes, 1999; Shields & Bredemeier, 1995)

Draw a PYD-oriented Instructor

Instruction for PYD

• Development before winning

• Relationships• Leadership• Teamwork• Decision-making• Initiative• Listening

• Skill development• Mistake-contingent

technical instruction• Low general (non-

specific feedback)• Dramatic play situations• Transfer of skills

Selected Sources: Gould et al., (2009); Holt et al., (2009); Holt et al., (2010); McLaughlin (1994); Smith et al., (1979).

Developing Child

OrganizedActivities(SPORT)

UnorganizedActivities(PLAY/PA)

“Compulsory” Activities(SCHOOL)

Opportunities for Physical Activity

Family

Neighborhood

Children’s Maps of Communities

Neighborhood Characteristics

Results

Benefits of Sport/Funding

SOCIAL

• Making New Friends

• Social Skills & Teamwork

• Relationships With Coaches

PERSONAL

• Exploration• Confidence• Discipline• Academic Performance• Sport Skills• Kids “Off the Street”

Barriers/Constraints• Time Management and

Scheduling

• Continued Financial Barriers

Possible Solutions

• “Helping Themselves”

• Unsure of Available Resources

Schools: Centres of CommunitiesSport-related Programs to Promote PYD– 59 children, 8 staff

Results:– PE Lessons• PE specialist• clear boundaries with perceptions of choice

– Intramurals• Enjoyable chaos• Negative peer interactions

– Sport Teams• Empathy• Social connectedness

Holt et al. (2012)

Current Initiatives

Phase 1: After School Program• Delivery– 2 schools - 28 children and 19 adult stakeholders– 2 nights per week in each school– Multi-sport program

• Results:– Social skills and confidence;– Community-university partnerships.– Sustainability?

Tink et al. (2012, under review)

Phase 2: TRY-Sport

• Soccer, basketball, and volleyball (CS4L)• Teamwork, Leadership and Confidence• Reflection and transfer• FMS + FSS = Physical LiteracyStatus• 2 Schools (~ 60 children)• CS4L + PYD

Take Home Message

nick.holt@ualberta.ca; Tel 780-492-7386

Source: http://www.csep.ca/CMFiles/Guidelines/CSEP-InfoSheets-child-ENG.pdf

Low-Income Communities and PA

Participants• 59 children from one inner-city

school (28 f, 31 m; M age = 12.4 yrs).

• 8 school staff;• 13 youth workers.

Data Collection & Analysis• Individual interviews• GIS mapping to calculate a

walkability score.• Census and city mapping data.

Holt et al. (2010)

Current Initiatives