Below is a summary of strategies that coaches, teachers and sporting organisations can use to engage disengaged and inactive students and make sport more enjoyable for young people overall.
More detail on each of the strategies can be found in the 34896_Youth_participation_project-full_report_acc2.pdf.
Allow youth to nominate and participate with friends
Hold programs during the school day, scheduled during class time
1 session per week minimum, with a total of 5-8 sessions
Session length of 50-70 minutes
Deliverer-to-person ratio of 1:15 for low skilled group
Equipment to person ratio of 1:1
Define optimum activity and group sizes and stick to it, or plan adapted activities
Use more body language and less verbal commands with CALD youth
Allow youth to nominate and participate with friends
Hold programs during the school day, scheduled during class time
1 session per week minimum, with a total of 5-8 sessions
Session length of 50-70 minutes
Deliverer-to-person ratio of 1:15 for low skilled group
Equipment to person ratio of 1:1
Use the initial activity to build rapport, confidence and assess the person’s skill
Use a fun game-based format, not drills
Use a game sense approach
Provide clear instructions of rules, skills and techniques
Match level of physical exertion to student capabilities
Minimise idel time between activities
Give shorter time for basic skills and circuits longer time for free-flowing games
Program flexible activities that can adapt to diverse youth groups
Moderate competition, ensuring it is inclusive
Group youth by skill level
Utilise team activities
Use several diverse contact points to recruit students to sport programs
Gym programs can build confidence for sport
Bridging and wellness programs can build strength and body confidence
Try fitness and stress relief programs to provide physical.mental wellbeing
Allow youth to play and chose music for fun or as a reward
Beat the weather by planning modified activities for the classroom
Use technology i.e. pedometers, to measure individual and group improvement
Don’t be afraid to include contact in sport - youth prefer it
Inject novelty, i.e. gala days, to excite and motivate youth