Pivotal

Did you know that two in five young athletes drop out of sports due to performance pressure? Arguably, those who remain involved in sport do so despite the system rather than because of it. 

“Kids join youth sports programs in droves –– and drop out in droves.” This is said of the US, but also applies to Northern Ireland’s current youth sports culture, with its strong emphasis on competition and performance. The recent Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity Study 2022 (CSPPA), highlighted that on the island of Ireland, the sports culture often places competition above personal enjoyment and inclusivity. Although striving for success is positive, focusing heavily on competitive outcomes is not well aligned with young people’s key motivations and can create barriers, discouraging many from staying involved in sport. 

This article explores issues with current youth sports culture in Northern Ireland. It draws on the well– developed evidence–base to provide solution orientated recommendations for a more inclusive, holistic and positive approach to retaining young people in sport.

Why are kids dropping out of youth sports?

A “performance–first” approach in youth sports prioritises competition, often overshadowing young people’s well–being and development. The CSPPA study shows many young people cite lack of enjoyment and high expectations as reasons for quitting. In a 2022 review, 40% of youth sport dropouts were linked directly to performance pressure and lack of enjoyment.

This performance–focused culture is visible across youth sports in Northern Ireland. For instance, in competitive sport, young participants are regularly side–lined as substitutes while the strongest team are played in the pursuit of a win. Everyone knows a child who is caught up in the annual scramble to find new football club after being cut. School sports heavily emphasise traditional team games like Gaelic games, football, hockey, and rugby, which, while popular, don’t appeal to all. Young people who are uninterested or unskilled in them are often alienated or without participation options contributing to disengagement. Practices like the overt celebration by grammar schools continuing to award honours blazers to publicly mark out those who have achieved ‘success’ in certain sports and not in others, isolates and undermines many. 

All these factors create a climate of negativity, rejection, isolation or elimination rather than one of positivity, acceptance, retention and support. The impact of these practices on wellbeing and mental health should not be underestimated.  

Young people who are capable enough to be selected and remain involved in competitive sports, are not shielded from the negative aspects of sports participation. The CSPPA study reported higher levels of anxiety, particularly when they feel unable to meet the performance expectations of coaches, parents, or themselves. Over time, this pressure–driven environment can result in burnout, decreased self–esteem, and lower motivation—factors that may contribute to a lifelong disengagement from physical activity.

Research points to several primary causes for dropout in youth sports amongst which are:

1. Overemphasis on competition: Competitive pressure detracts from enjoyment, leading to stress and disengagement.
2. Perceived lack of skill or confidence: Children who feel unskilled or criticised are more likely to withdraw.
3. Negative coach or peer relationships: Conflict or perceived unfairness from coaches or peers increases dropout risk.
4. Burnout from overtraining: High–intensity training without adequate rest can lead to burnout.
5. External pressures: Pressures from parents, coaches, and academic demands often lead young people to prioritise other activities.
6. Lack of variety, choice, affordability: Limitations in offerings in the range, cost or participation options (competitive, recreational, casual) is a deterrent to participation for many. 

Redefining success in youth and school sport; “keep them playing for as long as they can, at the highest level they can”

Sport participation’s health benefits are well established, but it also provides mental health benefits like resilience, stress relief, and a sense of community. These benefits are more pronounced in environments prioritising personal growth over competition. Non–competitive, family and community–focused programs have been shown to create inclusive spaces where young people feel valued regardless of athletic skill, fostering a positive association with physical activity. Evidence suggests that young people stay engaged when sports emphasise social interaction (family and friends) and personal enjoyment rather than performance alone.

To prevent dropout and encourage long–term participation, adopting a youth–centred sports culture is essential. Irish research on meaningful experiences in physical education identifies core elements like enjoyment, optimal challenge, and social interaction as key for creating engaging youth sports environments. Allowing young athletes to see the relevance of their experiences in sport—such as resilience and persistence—fosters a lasting connection with sports.

Key evidence-based behaviour we need to promote in youth sport:

1. Positive, supportive coaching: Coaches who encourage and offer constructive feedback create environments where youth feel motivated.
2. Opportunities for skill development: Emphasising personal growth and achievable challenges builds confidence and commitment.
3. Strong social connections: Friendships and a sense of belonging keep young athletes engaged.
4. Balanced schedules and moderate training: Allowing time for rest and other commitments reduces burnout.
5. Focus on enjoyment and personal achievement: Prioritising enjoyment and individual progress over competition encourages long–term engagement.

EU–funded projects such as Keep Youngsters Involved and iCoachKidsoffer resources, courses and toolkits that promote environments where young people are involved in decision–making, choose activities they enjoy, and experience sports as a positive, rewarding activity rather than a high–stakes competition. These are aimed at helping coaches focus their practice on personal growth and social interaction, fostering a culture of confidence, inclusivity, and long–term engagement.

Policy recommendations for a more inclusive youth sports culture – promoting retention 

To address issues in the current youth sports system in Northern Ireland, policymakers, schools, and sports organisations should implement these strategies:

1. Redefine success beyond competition: Governing Bodies of Sport and Schools Sport Departments need to shift the focus from winning to also recognise, reward and celebrate retention, persistence, effort, and improvement as sources of achievement and success.
2. Develop a retention in youth sport–focused media campaign: Sport NI should work with governing bodies, education and district councils, to promote a participation campaign to challenge traditional performance–driven approaches, promoting a more holistic, retention–focused sports culture. 
3. Broaden school and community activity options: Department of Education should mandate schools to review traditional practices that are non–inclusive in nature. Schools should be empowered to expand the range of sport and physical activity options provided in and out of curriculum time, to include non–traditional sports, and appeal to a wider array of interests. 
4. Prioritise mental health and well–being: Coaches who emphasise well–being over performance help young athletes develop a positive, lifelong connection to physical activity. Sport NI/Governing bodies should provide compulsory training to coaches in youth mental health and positive coaching practices – encouraging a holistic approach that fosters resilience. 
5. Encourage family and community engagement: Supporting family–inclusive events and encouraging community participation in sports reinforces positive experiences. Family involvement promotes enjoyment and retention, especially when sports are seen as communal rather than competitive activities.

Conclusion

The current performance–driven youth sports culture in Northern Ireland often creates barriers that drive young people away from physical activity, despite its potential benefits. The CSPPA 2022 report and other studies indicate that reframing youth sports as inclusive, retention, growth–focused activities can enhance engagement and well–being. Evidence–based strategies and recommendations outlined will support a youth sports culture focused on personal development, inclusivity, and mental well–being over competition and can foster retention in sport in the longer term. 

With a reimagined approach, youth sports can become a space where young people thrive and stay, supporting healthier communities across Northern Ireland.

Sinead Connolly is a Lecturer in Physical Education and Sports Coaching at Ulster University. Sinead’s research interests lie in physical education, physical literacy, youth sport participation, retention and physical activity.