Schools and clubs are the heart of organised youth sport. They provide the environments where young people can engage in physical activity that is safe, enjoyable, and developmentally enriching. To maximise participation and reduce dropout, these institutions must adopt thoughtful strategies that address the diverse needs of adolescents.

1. Prioritise Physical and Psychological Safety

“Safety first” isn’t just about preventing injuries—it also means creating psychologically safe spaces. Clubs and schools should implement inclusive policies that promote:

• Fair participation and playing time
• Long-term development over short-term success
• Respect, effort, and fair play

These values help build environments where all young people feel welcome, valued, and supported.

2. Create Developmentally Appropriate Environments

Understanding the physical, technical, and psychosocial needs of adolescents is key. Clubs should consider developing a curriculum or strategy that outlines what developmentally appropriate training looks like across age groups. Coaches need support to understand growth and maturation, and to adopt behaviours that foster competence and confidence in young athletes.

3. Respond to Teen Motivations

Adolescents engage in sport for a variety of reasons—from aspiring to elite performance, to improving skills, to simply spending time with friends. Clubs should offer flexible participation options to reflect these motivations. For example:

• Structured teams for committed athletes
• “Turn up and play” sessions for casual participants
• Additionally, making the club socially appealing—through warm welcomes, social events, and appropriate use of social media—can help build a sense of belonging and connection.

4. Expand Activity Offerings in Schools

Schools can play a major role by diversifying the types of activities they offer. Traditional sports may not appeal to everyone, so introducing alternatives like dance, parkour, rock climbing, skating, or even fun formats like competitive tag or balloon world cup can engage students who might otherwise be left out. A broader offering increases the chances that every young person finds something they enjoy.

Conclusion

By focusing on safety, development, motivation, and variety, schools and clubs can create environments that not only attract young people but keep them engaged for the long term. These strategies are essential for building a sport culture that is inclusive, flexible, and responsive to the needs of today’s youth.

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