Keeping sports Fun

Did you know the #1 determinant for kids dropping out of sports is not having fun? That being said, fun is the single largest predictor of sport commitment and sustained participation in childhood and through adolescence. Continued participation in sport is important for a multitude of mental and physical benefits. Not only that, but it leads to healthier populations as active parents are associated with active children. In this article, we’ll be sharing why sports participation in children has lasting effects, FUN MAPS, and how coaches can ensure they are creating a positive, fun sport experience for their athletes.

IMPORTANCE OF SPORT PARTICIPATION

As previously mentioned, sports participation is a significant predictor of young adults fitness and activity level. It is widely known that physical fitness (exercise) has immense benefits on both physical and mental health. Exercising regularly can decrease your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. Research also shows that exercise helps boost self esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy.

For young athletes, sport not only teaches them bodily awareness and motor skills but important life skills. Through playing sport, children learn to control their emotions and channel negative feelings in a positive way. They learn to work effectively with others, manage their time and lead. Given the numerous advantages that sports offer in terms of social, physical, and developmental aspects, it's crucial to establish a positive, enjoyable setting to encourage long-term participation.

WHAT MAKES SPORTS FUN

According to a study by The George Washington University, there are over 80 fun “determinants”, such as winning, trying hard, and certain positive coaching techniques. These determinants makeup “FUN MAPS”, which breakdown the most common factors of fun: games & practices, learning & improving, trying hard, positive team dynamics, team friendship, team ritual, game-time support, positive coaching, and "swag".

These determinants of fun are directly correlated with sport psychology and child development. For example, the dimensions “learning and improving” and “trying hard” illustrate the principles of achievement goal theory and competence motivation theory while the “positive coaching” dimension exemplifies the 4C’s model (i.e., competence, confidence, connection, and character) of established coaching techniques that positively influence children’s sport experiences.

According to young athletes, the 3 factors of fun that make the biggest difference when it comes to fun were trying hard, positive team dynamics and positive coaching. Here are the determinants within each factor of fun, from highest to lowest importance:

• TRYING HARD

  • Trying your best

  • Exercising and being active

  • Working hard

  • Playing well during a game

  • Being strong and confident

  The dimension of “Trying Hard” refers to goal setting and creating a growth mindset. Striving to constantly improve and overcome failure is a skill that will not only help young athletes succeed in sport, but also in other personal and professional settings.
  

• POSITIVE COACHING

• When a coach treats players with respect

• When a coach encourages the team

• Having a coach who is a positive role model

• Getting clear, consistent communication from coaches

• A coach who knows a lot about the sport

It should come to no surprise that mutual respect is one of the most important determinants of fun for young athletes. Coaches that listen, care and encourage their athletes help to create a better experience for athletes. One that they want to come back to year after year.  

• POSITIVE TEAM DYNAMICS

  • Getting along with your teammates

  • Playing well together as a team

  • Being supported by my teammates

  • Being around your friends

  • Having a group of friends outside of school

Succeeding as a team and getting along with teammates helps young athletes learn about how to navigate interpersonal relationships. It teaches them about leadership, conflict resolution, and communication

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FUNMAPS IN PRACTICE

In 2018, the U.S. Soccer Foundation integrated “FUNMAPS” into their free, after-school program, Soccer for Success. They wanted to encourage more female youth participation by creating a girls-only version of Soccer for Success. During their inaugural season, 83.6% of participants reported the program was ‘the most fun’ or ‘a lot of fun’. They also reported a desire to continue learning and improving upon their soccer skills and many said they would be returning to play again next season.

Positive coaching from program staff, player effort (intrinsic motivation), and positive dynamics among teammates were reported as frequently occurring elements throughout the girls’ Soccer for Success experiences. In addition, the girls reported their practices were consistent, structured, and well-organized. Practices also included lots of different partner-drills and small-group activities, and, yes, even water breaks. Though it might be surprising to some, these are all determinants that contribute to making sports fun for young athletes as reflected in the FUN MAPS.

Overall, fun not only keeps kids in sports, but enhances athletic performance and personal development. The longer young athletes continue in their sport the more physical benefits they will see including strength, bodily awareness, mobility, agility and more. Not only that, they will also learn key social skills including time management, self-confidence, teamwork, and responsibility. Incorporating the principles of the “FUNMAPS” through sport not only fosters athletic growth but also equips young athletes with essential life skills, ensuring they become a well-rounded player throughout their athletic journey.