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Competitive sports programs in schools and the community can offer many benefits to participants. There are physical health and wellness benefits to individuals, as well as community health benefits. Further, the holistic nature of participation in community activities presents numerous benefits in the cognitive, emotional and social domains. How we, as coaches, design programs will expand or limit the innumerable and diverse benefits competitive sport offers for youth and adult participants. Here are three key design elements that expand benefits, enhance performance and contribute to engaged and sustained participation, creating a positive social environment in sports:
Enjoyment and Fun: Encouraging athletes to “enjoy the process” can increase engagement and sustained participation. Include deliberate play and offer choices to athletes. It may look “messy”; however, a rhythm does emerge—with joy present.
Collaborative Learning: Creating opportunities for athletes to learn from each other is essential. Collaboration can involve using small group leads to disperse expertise and leadership, encouraging discussions and reflections during training, and incorporating games and challenges that promote teamwork and cooperation.
Supportive and Inclusive Atmosphere: Coaches play a crucial role in creating a positive social environment that is supportive and inclusive. Recognizing and valuing the diverse needs, goals, and experiences of all athletes is key. Creating a sense of belonging and acceptance is crucial, where athletes feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn at their own pace.
Competitive sports practices will always include fitness and skill elements. When coaches integrate these elements within their program and daily practice plans—Fun, Collaboration, Inclusion—athletes are more engaged, practice enthusiastically and perform joyfully.
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The First Lap Coaching:
Are you interested in increasing the engagement of athletes’ participation for individual and community health and sport development? We are re-thinking how we design and deliver sports programs to build community and engage athletes.
Ready to elevate your club’s programs and make a lasting impact on your athletes? Click kevin@canadianwintersports.com to contact Kevin today and ask for a free consultation.
Let’s work together to create engaging and effective programs that foster athlete growth, and commitment and sustain participation.
All the best,
Kevin
Kevin Shields
Master of Coaching, University of Alberta
BEd, Nipissing University
BSc (Kinesiology), University of Waterloo
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