In youth sport, athletes are motivated for different reasons. One of the main elements that keep youth athletes motivated is the idea of having fun. Based on a study done by Journal of Physical Activity & Health, the number 1 reason why kids drop out of school is that they no longer find it fun. Fun could be represented on a wide spectrum ranging from being able to make new friends to learning a new skill. If youth sports are orientated around the element of fun, we can expect them to be willing and eager to participate before every lesson or training.   

Based on the most recent National Sport Participation Survey (NSPS) conducted by Sports Singapore, 46% of Singaporeans do not participate in sports due to reasons such as lack of time and interest. To combat this problem and encourage individuals to continuously participate in sport, one key objective for youth coaches is to help arouse interest in youth, letting them enjoy playing sports and hopefully motivate them towards lifelong participation in sport and physical activity. In order to do so, the objective of youth coaches should be to implement training programmes that are both purposeful and fun. By correctly motivating them, not only do youth athletes reap the benefits of participating in sports, youth coaches can prevent issues like athlete burnout in the long run.

Implications of low motivation

• Burnout

• Dropout from sport

• Dropping out from sport early then leads to further repercussions in the long run like poor FMS and, losing the chance for building soft skills related to sports

Tips for youth coaches on how to foster a motivational climate

• Important to always have the element of fun. Doesn’t have to be too complicated, even simple things like having a fun team ritual of cheering before a match.  

• Gather feedback from youth athletes on the training session, be open-minded and receptive to what they have to say and provide rationale to them if there are any differences.

• Provide sufficient playing time.

• Give them ownership for their own experiences.

• Give athletes a reason to work hard. By showing genuine faith and trust in them, they can see why and what they are working hard for and this keeps them motivated.

• Teach youth athletes proper goal setting. They should be SMART goals – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic & time.

References

Bui, H. (2014, June 10). Fun - not winning - essential to keep kids in sports. Retrieved July 19, 2017, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/07/10/sports-obesity-health-kids-youth-fun/12425155/

G. Shelly (n.d.). 5 Keys to Motivating Your Athletes (Part I). Retrieved July 19, 2017, from http://www.championshipcoachesnetwork.com/public/402.cfm

Further readings and useful tips

Goal setting – Why is goal setting important
Confidence – Confidence Building
Fun Emphasis – Fun–not winning essential to keep kids in sports