Abstract
This presentation will provide a brief overview of findings from several recent studies examining possibilities for positive youth development through sport. First, findings of two studies examining life skills associated with sport participation will be presented. These findings show that youth consistently associate teamwork and social skills with sport participation, and these skills appear to transfer from sport to other life contexts. However, there is little evidence that coaches and parents attempt to directly teach life skills that will promote positive youth development. The focus of the presentation will then shift to examining inequities in sport participation. Brief overviews of studies examining (a) benefits and challenges associated with sport participation among low-income families and (b) the uptake and effectiveness of the Children's Fitness Tax Credit will be presented. The presentation will conclude by offering two policy recommendations arising from these findings. First, youth sport coaches and parents must prioritize life skills and positive youth development before winning, performance, and talent development. Second, policies must provide direct and sustained funding to children from low-income families (rather than tax credits) to increase the likelihood these children will gain developmental benefits from their involvement in youth sport.Acknowledgments: This research has been supported by grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research