The key roles of teammates, coaches, and instrumental support in adolescent sports participation

A One-Year Prospective Study

Bibliographic Data

ID4657615
AuthorsGwennyth E Spruijtenburg (0000-0003-2653-4169, Radboud University Nijmegen, corresponding author), Femke Van Abswoude (0000-0002-3510-7129, Radboud University Nijmegen), Sebastiaan W J Platvoet, Sebastiaan Platvoet (0000-0003-3954-8447, HAN University of Applied Sciences), Mark De Niet (HAN University of Applied Sciences), Bert Steenbergen (0000-0001-8863-2624, Radboud University Nijmegen)
Year2025
Volume7
Pages1499693-1499693
Publication date2025-01-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fspor.2025.1499693
PMID39902137
OpenAlexW4406626974
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited48

IntroductionSports participation is important for promoting lifelong health and well-being. However, it often declines during adolescence, highlighting the need to understand the factors related to adolescent sports participation. This prospective study examines the associations between different sources (e.g., family, peers, coaches, teachers) and types (e.g., emotional, instrumental, co-participation) of social support and hours of organized sports participation among secondary school students (N = 294). It also explores whether these associations change from the second to the third year of secondary education.MethodsData were collected using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements in October/November 2021 and October/November 2022. Multilevel linear fixed effects regression models were used to analyze relationships between sources and types of social support and sports participation. Additionally, scatterplots illustrated individual variability in these associations.ResultsResults showed significant associations for various sources and types of social support with organized sports participation. Social support from teammates and coaches and instrumental support emerged as the strongest predictors of hours of participation. Additionally, we found that the relationships remained stable over time. Yet, substantial individual variability in how social support related to sports participation was also observed.DiscussionThese findings emphasize the importance to promote social support from within the sports environment and to encourage instrumental support. Tailored approaches addressing individual differences are recommended to enhance adolescent sports participation

Multilevel model · Social support · Applied Psychology · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support

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