Abstract
Together for Us (T4Us) is an athlete-led intervention designed to strengthen team identity in youth sport (Bruner et al., 2025). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of T4Us across a competitive youth sport season. Five competitive youth soccer teams completed T4Us as a part of a larger cluster randomized controlled trial. At the conclusion of the season, thirteen focus groups were conducted with 53 athletes (Mage = 13.15 years), and individual interviews were conducted with 6 coaches (Mage = 43.88 years). Thematic analysis generated three broad themes involving T4Us workshop and booster experiences, team outcomes, and areas of future improvement. Youth enjoyed the hands-on and creative T4Us activities, which encouraged full team participation and reflection. Coaches found the booster session valuable for reinforcing concepts and maintaining momentum, particularly the athlete-led focus which empowered athletes to set and pursue their own team goals. In terms of the outcomes of T4Us, athletes and coaches reported a shift towards a stronger team identity through enhanced communication, leadership, and accountability. Teams that regularly applied the workshop concepts (e.g., trademark and action plan) experienced deeper connection, and greater ownership and accountability of team values and behaviours both on and off the playing field. For suggested improvements, athletes recommended clearer instructions on T4Us activities, an earlier intervention timing in the season, and more consistent follow-up to promote behaviour change. Coaches asked for support tools (e.g., implementation guide) to understand how to better embed team values more consistently and practically into daily practices.
