Creating Sport Settings for Positive Development of Socially Vulnerable Youth

Abstract

Considering the growing social and emotional pressures among young people in today’s society, it is crucial to provide them with meaningful developmental programs. For many years, sport settings have been considered beneficial platforms for counteracting the adverse influences on socially vulnerable youths. Utilizing sport in youth development programs can create meaningful experiences that are highly productive for the personal and social growth of socially vulnerable youths. Yet, just participating in sport-based programs does not guarantee positive outcomes. Thus, this article provides some useful strategies that practitioners (e.g., coaches, teachers, and/or community program leaders) should consider when they develop and apply sport-based development programs for socially vulnerable youths.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daekyun Oh

Daekyun Oh ([email protected]) is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Education at St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, NY.