The Counter Offensive: Retention of Teenagers in Sport
How sports clubs can better retain teenagers by focusing on inclusivity, enjoyment, and personal development rather than just competitive success.
“Sport is not just about competition; it’s about building friendships, learning life skills, and having fun.” – Cathy Freeman
The Counter Offensive is a series of pieces that analyses the common approach to dealing with issues, why they fail, and a more unorthodox approach with greater chance of success.
Situation: Grassroots sports clubs are struggling to retain teenagers, leading to a decline in participation and engagement.
THE COMMON APPROACH
Concept of Operations (CONOPS): Most clubs attempt to address this issue by enhancing the competitiveness and performance aspects of their programs, hoping to attract and retain teenagers through high-level training and competition opportunities.
Centre of Gravity (CG): This approach relies on the assumption that teenagers are primarily motivated by competitive success and the opportunity to advance in their sport.
Targetable Critical Vulnerabilities: This strategy projects the administrators’ own beliefs onto the teenagers. The TCVs are therefore:
TCV 1: Pressure and Burnout: High-performance focus can lead to stress and burnout among teenagers.
TCV 2: Exclusivity: Competitive programs may exclude those who are less skilled or less interested in high-level competition.
TCV 3: Enjoyment: Emphasis on performance can overshadow the fun and social aspects of sport, which are crucial for retention.
THE COUNTER OFFENSIVE
An alternate approach is to create a more inclusive and enjoyable environment that prioritises social connections and personal development over competitive success.
CG: This strategy relies on fostering a sense of community and belonging, making sport a fun and rewarding experience for all participants.
Method: To enact the CONOPS, the club needs to leverage its flexibility in program delivery. There needs to exist the following Decisive Events (DEs):
DE1: Social Programs: Develop programs that emphasize social interaction and teamwork rather than just competition.
DE2: Flexible Participation: Offer flexible participation options that accommodate different interests and skill levels.
DE3: Positive Coaching: Train coaches to focus on personal development, enjoyment, and positive reinforcement.
What success looks like
The Glen Eira Soccer Club in Victoria, Australia, implemented social programs and flexible participation options, resulting in a 40% increase in teenage retention over two years. Teenagers reported enjoying the inclusive and supportive environment, which kept them engaged in the sport - https://newsportfuture.com/the-teenage-tumble/.
Are you ready to transform your sports club’s approach? Join the conversation and share your experiences with us! At Mission Command, we believe in empowering grassroots sports clubs to achieve their full potential. Contact us today at admin@missioncomd.com.au to learn how we can help your club thrive with innovative solutions and expert management. Together, let’s ensure every child has the opportunity to be involved in a sports team.