Assessing youth sport programs’ facilitation of positive youth development

Background / Context / Objective With growing societal concern for youths’ healthy development, extensive literature suggests organized leisure activities serve as optimal contexts to foster positive youth development (Larson, 2000), and sport has consistently been found to be the most popular organized activity among youth (Hansen & Larson, 2007). While youth’s involvement in sport is…

Tips to engage adults with intellectual and developmental disability in sport and physical activity

Exercise leads to many benefits for individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), including those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These include improved physical and mental health, increased community engagement, and, amongst individuals with ASD, a decrease in repetitive behaviours that often result in functional and social impairment. The Adapted Physical Exercise (APEX) Research…

Community parasport – The experiences of female youth

The upcoming Tokyo Paralympics will be an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Canadian Paralympians. However, without strong development pathways, young Canadians may not have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. An important first step along any development pathway is a positive introduction to sport through grassroots community programs. There is a persisting gap…

Increasing physical literacy in youth

Physical literacy – the motivation, confidence, competence, and knowledge to be physically active for life – is considered by some to be the essential ingredient to lifelong physical activity. But how is it developed? Analysis of participant outcomes from a two-week day camp design to increase physical literacy showed promising results from a mix of…

Match Grant success story

Researchers at the University of Alberta partnered with JumpStart Charities to evaluate the reach and impact of the Keeping Girls in Sport online module. Survey findings demonstrated some interested uptake patterns, and reinforced the value of the program for increasing awareness and know-how to create positive sport environments for girls. Applications for the 2020/2021 SIRC…

Courtside Evaluation

At MLSE LaunchPad, evaluation activities have gone courtside! Coaches and program leaders distribute tablets for survey completion and conduct mini interviews on the sidelines or in the bleachers, ensuring youth feel they’re still part of the action and not missing out on program time.

Trauma-Sensitive Design

Sport and physical activity programming that incorporates trauma-sensitive design harnesses social and environmental protective factors that can contribute to children’s resilience. Specific strategies include creating a safe environment, nurturing positive adult relationships, building body awareness and physical competence, and delivering active, engaging experiences.

Physical Literacy Assessment Tool

The Physical Literacy Environmental Assessment (PLEA) tool examines four domains to determine the extent to which sport and physical activity programs support the development of physical literacy amongst children and youth: environment, programming, leaders and staff, and values and goals, The tool can also be used as a checklist when planning and delivering a physical…

Evaluating Impact using the RE-AIM Framework

For any organization, the ability to demonstrate impact — to funders, board members, and other stakeholders — is crucial. Demonstrating the value of an organization, project, or service is important to access financial support, engage stakeholders, and achieve organizational objectives (Fedorciow, 2012). Within the Canadian sport system, sport administrators are increasingly required to design and…

Return to Play Plans

“We made it clear that compliance with public health guidelines was non-negotiable. But we realized that there were tonnes of things that were negotiable – class times, set up, the streamlining of intake processes – where we could be innovative and create the best experience for our members.” Stuart McReynolds, President & CEO of the…