Exploring new ways to keep kids in sportMonday, October 17, 2016 - 3:32 PM

West Australian Football Commission Participation Manager Troy Kirkham has set his sights on improving the retention of youth in sport following his opportunity to learn from some of the leading sporting organisations in the world as part of a Churchill Fellowship.

Churchill Fellowships are awarded by The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to provide an opportunity for Australians to travel overseas to conduct research in their chosen field that is not readily available in Australia.

Mr Kirkham said his Churchill Fellowship was an incredible opportunity to investigate innovative and inclusive retention strategies for youth participants in community sport around the world, including Canada, New York, Washington DC, London and the UK.

“We understand the social capital that engagement in sporting clubs contributes to society. Sport provides an opportunity for inclusion, education and employment and has a considerable cultural significance to all Australians,” he said.

“I would like to develop new strategies and redefine sport product offerings to meet the changing needs of our children to reduce the drop-out rates. My research leads me to the key premise that there should be an integrated or interconnected approach to retention in sport.

“Children want to have more fun, in a less structured environment and to share with their friends a sporting experience over a longer period of time.

“Sport is far greater than simply wins and losses, and it certainly isn’t about which team won or lost on the weekend. It has an ability like no other to connect, unite and bond communities. It has a long lasting impact on an individual’s physical, social and emotional well-being and there is strong evidence to suggest those who are active youth participants are significantly more likely to participate in physical activity as an adult.

“Subsequently, if we can achieve greater levels of youth retention the ongoing wider community and health related benefits would be substantial,” he said.

CLICK HERE to read Troy Kirkham’s full report.