KEY CONCEPTS AND CONTEXTS OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
In sports development, we have key concepts such as inclusivity, talent finding, community involvement, and structured progression in sporting activities.
The contexts to which the development of the sport has been referred include grassroots programs, professional pathways, school sports, and recreational participation.
The relationship between concept and context determines how sports are developed so that there are opportunities at different levels of competition.
Once these concepts are understood, developing strategies that promote more participation and athlete development in sports is possible.
TARGETING PARTICULAR GROUPS FOR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
Sports development has important concepts at its core as inclusivity, talent identification, community engagement and structured progression in sporting activities.
Grassroots programs, professional pathways, school sports, and recreational participation constitute different types of sports development in different contexts.
The relationship between concept and context determines how sports are developed so that there are opportunities at different levels of competition.
If these matters had been understood, strategies to promote more participation and athlete development in sports could have been conceived
BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION IN SPORT
Economic barriers (high membership fees and equipment costs) can hinder access to sports among poorer people.
Barriers such as social and cultural barriers, which include stereotypes and gender bias, can prevent an individual from taking part in a particular sport.
Accessibility challenges like lack of facilities for people with disabilities or inadequate transport can prevent participation.
Usually due to time (work, family, school), engaging in sports on a regular basis misses out.
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT CONTINUUM – FOUNDATION STAGE
In the foundation stage, the primary stress is to bring individuals, particularly youngsters, to fundamental execution abilities associated with primary physical movement.
In this stage, our goal is to confirm early engagement in physical activity through play in school sports, playgrounds and community-based activities.
These skills increase the individual’s tendency to take part in future sports.
The stage at which a positive experience occurs enhances the probability that sports involvement will continue throughout one’s life.
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT CONTINUUM – PERFORMANCE AND EXCELLENCE STAGES
The performance stage is the structured training, discipline, and competitive involvement at local, regional, national, and international levels.
At this stage, the athletes are given specialized coaching, physical conditioning, and mental preparation to enhance their performance.
The arena of excellence stage is where elite athletes compete at national and international levels (Olympics or professional leagues).
However, to succeed at this stage, an athlete needs advanced training programs, sports science support, and to benefit from elite coaching and facilities.
