Youth sport dropout is a growing concern for coaches, parents, and sport organisations alike. In this article, we explore the first dimension of the 3D practical: Personal Factors. These are the internal, individual elements that influence a young person’s decision to stop participating in sport.

1. Competence and Perceived Competence

One of the most significant personal factors contributing to dropout is a young person’s sense of competence. This includes both actual skill level and perceived ability. When children feel they aren’t good at sport, aren’t improving, or aren’t as skilled as their peers, they may begin to disengage. This feeling is amplified if they believe that important people in their lives—such as friends, parents, or coaches—also view them as lacking ability. A lack of confidence in their sporting competence can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and ultimately, dropout.

2. Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Sport should promote health, but for some young people, it can negatively impact their physical and mental wellbeing. Physical exertion, injuries, chronic pain, and the pressure to perform can all take a toll. On the mental side, emotional stress, fear of failure, and disappointment can make sport feel more like a burden than a joy. When participation begins to harm rather than help wellbeing, young athletes may choose to step away.

3. Personal Motivation

Motivation is a key driver of sustained sport participation. In our model, motivation is broken down into three types:

External Motivation: This includes rewards, recognition, and winning. While powerful, these motivators can fade over time or become less meaningful.

Internal Motivation: This is the pure enjoyment of the activity, the love of learning, and the desire to improve for personal satisfaction. When this intrinsic drive diminishes, so does the likelihood of continued participation.

Achievement Motivation: This relates to the ambition to reach elite levels or achieve specific goals. If a young person no longer sees a path to success or loses interest in high-level competition, dropout becomes more likely.

Conclusion

Personal factors are deeply individual and often interact with social and environmental influences. As coaches, understanding these internal drivers is essential to creating supportive, flexible, and enjoyable sport experiences. By recognising the signs and addressing these personal challenges, we can help young people stay engaged and thrive in sport.

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