Factors Related to Adolescents’ Participation in Organized Sports

Abstract

Participation in organized sports has important health benefits in adolescence, yet participation rates are concerning. A better understanding of factors influencing adolescents’ participation in organized sports offers opportunities to improve participation rates. The aim of this study was to examine to what extent motives, perceived competence, encouragement and motor skills were associated with participation in organized sports in a sample of first-year secondary school students. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 386 Dutch adolescents (11–14 years) in October and November 2020. A series of multilevel logistic regression models estimated the likelihood of adolescents’ participating in organized sports. First, we examined whether motives, perceived competence, encouragement and motor skills were independently associated with the likelihood of participation. Second, we examined whether these factors were concurrently associated with the likelihood of participation. When considered individually, motives, perceived competence, encouragement and motor skills were significantly associated with participation. When considered together, only motives were significantly associated with participation and the associations of all other factors with sport disappeared. These findings show the importance of motivation for participation in sports over other factors. These findings inform the development of interventions aimed at improving adolescents’ participation rates.

Structural Relationship between Psychological Needs and Sport Adherence for Students Participating in Physical Education Class

“…In this regard, Lamoneda and Huertas-Delgado [7] indicated that, of the BPNs, perceived competence was also the most positively predictive of PA. A similar study [1], on school soccer, reported that the more competent students feel, the greater their adherence to this sport. In a study with adolescents [51], perceived competence was also significantly associated with their participation in organized sports. Therefore, interventions based on SDT [2], supported by BPNs, could be a useful didactic strategy to motivate primary students to practice PA in other contexts.…”

What Moves Youth?—A Survey to Explore the Motivation and Barriers of Dutch Young Adolescents (12–15 Years) to Participate in Sports

“…However, in order to realize the full potential of youth sports and specifically the sports club, to be a positive place for development, it is crucial to align and secure the activities of, among others, coaches, other guides (e.g., parents) and policymakers towards a positive and safe sports climate always taking into account the motives and barriers of youngsters that are under their responsibility [29,30]. The findings of this study provide directions for the development of future interventions that improve sports participation and prevent dropout from sports [14,16]. It supports sports organizations and coaches to create an optimal environment for youth in sports.…”

“…Previous studies identified several factors that influence sport participation within this target group, including, among others, enjoyment, perceived competence and social support [12,13]. Yet, a recent study within the Dutch context showed that especially adolescent motives are key determinants regarding sport participation [14]. This study examined a combination of factors based on the Youth Physical Activity Promotion model [15] (i.e., motives, perceived competence, encouragement and motor skills) to better understand factors influencing adolescents' sport participation.…”

“…Moreover, also Dutch young adolescents not active in sports are taken into account to create a comprehensive picture. A more in-depth insight into their motivation and barriers provides directions for the development of future interventions to improve sport participation and prevent dropout from sports [14,16]. This will support sports organizations and coaches to create an optimal environment for youth in sports.…”

Structural Relationship between Psychological Needs and Sport Adherence for Students Participating in Physical Education Class

“…A previous study, on school soccer [1], reported that the more competent students feel, the greater their adherence to this sport. In a study with adolescents [45], perceived competence was significantly associated with their participation in organized sports. Therefore, interventions based on Self-Determination Theory, supported by BPNs, could be a useful didactic strategy to motivate primary students to practice physical activity in other contexts.…”