Coaching and continuity make a difference: competence effects in a youth sport program

Abstract

The involvement of youth in sports has the potential to generate positive effects on the fundamental skills for development. Brazil is considered one of the most democratic places for youth sports participation, due to social programs offered by the Government and the ease of entry/access. The goal of this research was to understand the competence effects on youth athletes as reported by both the experienced coaches and their former youth athletes in a sports program participation. The present research was conducted on the Programa Segundo Tempo [Second Half Program], which assists disadvantaged youth throughout Brazil. A total of 11 coaches and 7 adults who formerly took part in the program for a long period participated in the study. Interviews were completed using scripted open and closed questions. Interpersonal relations were associated with the establishment of lasting friendships. Behavioral and emotional self-regulations were associated with the perception of positive changes. The coaches and ex-participants in the sports program observed these dimensions. Our results show that the professional competence of the coaches combined with the program continuity, including the presence of the coaches in the community promoted a sense of perception of personal development in the sporting program. The competence effects identified in this study seem to be strongly influenced by the mandatory higher education degree for the coaches and due to the long-term permanence of the program, as observed by the former youth athletes. Therefore, understanding the sports program proposed by the Social Project and the coaches’ view is necessary for the creation and maintenance of sport environments favorable to positive youth development. Both the coaches as well as their former student-athletes perceived that being able to intervene for longer periods in the same community was instrumental in performing better and impacting positively on the youths. Therefore, we suggest that supporting capacity building of coaches and their long-term presence in a community are the key issues necessary for promoting positive competence effects in the youth participation in sporting activities.