Project
How can Sports Empower Disadvantaged Youth?
The aim of this project is to conduct a feasibility study to assess the viability of a large-scale longitudinal study into the effects of sports participation on positive mental health outcomes in disadvantaged youth. Key research questions include determining suitable recruitment strategies, consent procedures, research designs, and appropriate technological data collection tools that align with the specific needs of the target groups in real-life sports contexts.
Background
Sports participation among youth has been associated with positive mental health outcomes such as higher self-esteem, better social skills, higher confidence and higher competence. However, subgroups of youth, like youth from low-income families and youth with social, learning or behavioral problems, have been shown to participate less in sports. It is believed that that the positive outcomes of sports may be especially beneficial for these disadvantaged groups of youth.
Methods
The research involves a scoping review to learn from previous attempts to research the positive mental health outcomes of sports participation in disadvantaged youth. Additionally, individual interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted with relevant stakeholders, including disadvantaged youth, sports coaches, and youth workers. For this, we collaborate with the Life Goals Foundation and Jeugd-Punt Utrecht.