Influence of sports participation on youth development among secondary school students
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22436634 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Alfa Simwanza (0000-0002-9840-4577, University of Dar es Salaam, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-07 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Discover Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2731-5525 • E-ISSN: 2731-5525 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s44217-026-01326-y |
| OpenAlex | W7134127950 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 43 |
Sports play a vital role in youth development. It provides a comprehensive method for moulding well-rounded youth. Through a multiple embedded case study of a qualitative research approach, this research presents findings from school-designed sports programmes which enhance youth development in Tanzanian secondary schools. It was revealed that sports influence the development of important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience, influence physical health and mental well-being, enhance social integration and provide opportunities for personal growth, goal setting, and identity formation among young people. This research suggests that for youth development, school administrators, members of the school, sports and educational stakeholders need to design comprehensive sports programmes which provide access and equity to sports programme participation regardless of gender, age, interests and ability. Additionally, the study suggests that there should be an appropriate deployment of resources such as time, facilities, equipment and humans to enhance learning, enjoyment, character building, mentorship and skill development. Moreover, this study recommends the organisation of inter-school competitions and intramural programmes to promote sportsmanship, health and wellness.
Adolescent development · Positive Youth Development · Youth participation · Youth sports · Youth studies · Physical Education and Training Studies · Social and Behavioral Studies · Youth Development and Social Support
Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Types of Purposive Sampling Techniques with Their Examples and Application in Qualitative Research Studies
A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for adults
An integrative review of sport-based youth development literature
Thematic analysis
Purposive sampling
Ethical Data Collection and Recognizing the Impact of Semi-Structured Interviews on Research Respondents
Assessing the acquisition of whole youth development skills among students in TVET institutions in Kenya
Youth Development in the Pacific
Staff perspectives on building social relationships with participants in a physical activity-based youth development program
La Integración de los Estudiantes Inmigrantes en un Programa de Deporte Escolar con Fines de Transformación Social
Participation in Organized Sports and Self-Organized Physical Activity
Ethical considerations in social work research
Teaching for transformative educational experience in a sport for development program
Understanding the increase in parents’ involvement in organized youth sports
Social change through an urban sport for development initiative? Investigating critical pedagogy through the voices of young people
More opportunities, same challenges
Effects of Participating in Intergenerational Programs on the Development of High School Students’ Self-Efficacy
Thematic Analysis
Using the realist interview approach to maintain theoretical awareness in realist studies
Fostering Youth-Enabling Environments
Sport Involvement and Educational Outcomes of High School Students
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |