Kids who play team sports gain confidence and connection, new research says, but teens are still quitting in droves.
A survey commissioned by sportswear brand ASICS aimed to uncover the main benefits Aussies experienced when playing team sports as kids, how these activities impacted them into adulthood, and if their experiences influenced which team sports our nation favoured.
Beyond the obvious health paybacks, respondents identified being part of a community (19 percent) and connecting with others (22 percent) as two of the key benefits of signing up to seasonal sporting teams.
Almost 80 percent said team sports helped them or others make new and long-lasting connections when they were young.
But nearly half dropped out of their favourite sport during their teens (45 percent).
Psychologist Meg McClurg, an ASICS ambassador, shared four tips for keeping kids engaged in sport into adulthood:
1. Praise effort and development over talent
As kids enter their teenage years, they often compare themselves to peers, which can lead to self-doubt or disengagement.
Shift their focus to personal growth by highlighting specific improvements, like ‘Your passing accuracy has really improved!’ or ‘You stayed composed under pressure today.’
When young athletes feel a sense of progress rather than pressure to be the best, they are more likely to stay in sport long-term.
2. Foster a positive and inclusive team culture
Teens are more likely to stick with sport if they feel a strong sense of belonging.
Coaches and parents can encourage team bonding, ensure all players feel valued, and promote a supportive, fun, safe environment.
A great way to reinforce this is through post-game reflections – have each player share something positive about their own performance and acknowledge a teammate’s effort.
3. Encourage kids to set goals related to process and performance
Some kids enjoy setting long-term goals, but others might find this arduous and/or feel this puts pressure on them.
Kids are very oriented to the here and now, and supporting them to set short-term goals related to their progress or performance is likely to keep them engaged and motivated for the long term.
Emphasise skill development rather than just outcomes like winning or being the best. For example, instead of focusing on being the top scorer, they might aim to ‘improve shot accuracy over the season’ or ‘become a more confident leader on the team.’
Ask questions related to mindset, teamwork, fitness, strength, attitude, and choices to help them reflect on the many components of sport rather than just outcomes.
4. Support a healthy balance between sport and other commitments
As kids juggle school, friendships, and extracurricular activities, it’s important to promote a flexible approach to sport.
Encourage them to view sport as a lifelong activity rather than an all-or-nothing pursuit.
This might mean taking breaks, exploring different sports, or adjusting training intensity during exam periods.
When teens feel they have control over their participation, they are more likely to stay engaged and continue playing into adulthood.
