Abstract
Current research has highlighted the potential of youth sport contexts to facilitate positive youth development (PYD) (Fraser-Thomas et al., 2005); however, little is known about PYD in non-club sport settings and the mechanisms by which PYD occurs through sport contexts. This study explored youths' development through school-based sport and physical education programs, and their transfer of life skills to general life settings. A mixed-methods case study design was used; participants included 26 students (aged 11-13). Quantitative measures included a demographic questionnaire and the Youth Experience Survey in Sport (YES-S; MacDonald et al., in press). Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured focus groups conducted at the beginning and end of physical education units and sport seasons. Preliminary findings suggest students felt their participation on competitive school teams facilitated their development of self-confidence, and their goal setting, organization and communication skills by providing them opportunities to socialize and gain balance in their life. However, students who participated only in physical education classes did not detail similar experiences. Most youth also recounted negative experiences that they resolved through leadership and initiative skills. Finally, youth provided few examples of transferability of life skills learned in school physical education and competitive sport to other life settings. Findings shed light on the assumption that school sport and physical education contexts are automatically fostering PYD, while offering teachers and administrators insight into means by which to enhance the facilitation of PYD in school contexts.
