NURTURING OUR STARS OF FUTURE
The Gold Coast Academy of Sport is teaching youngsters skills that will help them beyond the sporting arena
EARLIER this week Suncorp’s 2019 Australian Youth
Confidence Report uncovered that one in every two Australian girls are quitting sport by the age of 15.
It has often been discussed that the defining years for teenage participation (boys and girls) in sport is at the time of them finishing school.
The once-invisible cut-off age for teen girls playing sport which has been 15 to 17 years old is now defined.
When finishing school, teenagers are flung into the real world, generally going onto further studies at university or a tertiary institution or finding employment.
Some are lucky enough to take a gap year to travel or concentrate on their sport but that is a minority.
Time for training, competition and associated travel needs to revolve around their studies, work or attendance at class.
In the above mentioned study, almost 50 per cent of females in their late teens were found to have moved away from their favourite sporting activities or “completely” stopped, compared to 30 per cent of the boys.
At a time when there is a greater concern of obesity and inactivity, this is a trend we need to try to turn around.
A study by the Australian Sport Commission released in November 2017 found that while girls in their late teens may stop their involvement in team sport, they are engaging in other forms of activity, such as working out at the gym, fitness programs or simply walking.
The Gold Coast Academy of Sport is engaging with youth in a variety of sports to teach them life skills that will help them as they age.
We have programs currently underway and a few will commence shortly.
Already underway is the Future Stars program.
Conducted out of the Southport Sharks Club, the Academy has a group of athletes from a variety of sports who are learning more about the benefits of sport and how they can improve their performances.
Physical capabilities are not the only component of performance discussed, with psychological elements, time management, study skills, media training and other topics covered.
It is hoped that at the end of the five-month program the athletes will have a more complete understanding of what it is to be committed to an activity.
The athletes also have the opportunity to use the Southport Sharks gym while in the program to help them understand the importance of strength and conditioning.
THE GOLD COAST ACADEMY OF SPORT IS ENGAGING WITH YOUTH IN A VARIETY OF SPORTS TO TEACH THEM LIFE SKILLS
GLYNIS NUNN