What Keeps Kids Coming Back? Retention in a Sport-Based Positive Youth Development Program

Area of Science:

• Youth Development
• Sport Science
• Sociology

Background:

• Sport-based positive youth development (PYD) programs offer significant physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and mental health benefits.
• Consistent, long-term participation is crucial for maximizing these benefits, particularly for socially vulnerable youth.
• Retention in these programs remains a persistent challenge, even when common barriers are addressed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors influencing long-term retention in a sport-based PYD program among socially vulnerable youth.
• To identify predictors of sustained participation using mixed methods, combining quantitative and qualitative data.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, including quantitative analysis of participation data and demographics for 384 youth (124 returners).
• Difference tests and binomial logistic regression were used to analyze factors associated with returning youth.
• Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with 36 parent/caregivers (18 of returners, 18 of non-returners).

Main Results:

• Logistic regression indicated that better fitness, higher perceived social responsibility, lower poverty rates, and younger age were associated with a greater probability of returning, though effect sizes were small.
• The predictive model achieved a 67.2% overall correct classification rate for retention.
• Qualitative findings revealed few differences in program experiences but highlighted the importance of social interactions and the value placed on physical literacy by non-returners' parents.

Conclusions:

• Predicting and fostering long-term engagement in sport-based PYD programs for socially vulnerable youth presents significant challenges.
• While some factors like fitness and social responsibility show small predictive power, social interactions appear particularly relevant for retention.
• Further research is needed to develop effective strategies for sustained youth participation in PYD programs.