A recent NOVA report by Anders Bakken has put the spotlight on a major problem experienced in children's and youth sports.
Without delve too deeply into demographic and geographical differences that may have an impact, some interesting findings appear in the report regarding the drop-off in adolescence (13-18years):
-The sports team is of great importance as a training ground for young people. Overall, 37 per cent of all training sessions occur within the framework of a sports team
- 20 per cent of those who stop doing organized sports during adolescence stop exercising completely
- Young people who quit youth sport differ from those who continue, in areas such as quality of life, risk behaviour and participation in other leisure activities
- Training in sports teams is the strongest factor that affects how often adolescents are so physically active that they become breathless and sweaty
(Bakken, 2019; The sport's position in adolescence)

The report states that 75% of all young people aged 13-18 are either part of a sports team or have participated while in secondary school or high school.
Apostasy is, of course, unscrupulous, but the figures give an indication of where a possible improvement may occur. Where the great distinction is shown is in the transition from children's sport to youth sport (13-18 years). 17% of the drop-outs come in children's sport, of which nearly six out of ten of those who have participated in youth sports have quit a sports team before they reach the age of 17-18. The largest drop-out is experienced in the age group 14-16 years.
(Bakken, 2019; The sport's position in adolescence)

What do you think it's due to, and what steps should be taken to keep the youth as young as possible in the sport? What does your team do?

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Posted on Facebook 12-04-2019