By Katie Cronin
Photo by leah hetteberg on Unsplash
Sport is universally recognised for its numerous benefits to young people, from physical health improvements to enhanced social skills, mental well-being, and emotional resilience. The importance of sport participation cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping youth development. However, despite these benefits, numerous barriers hinder young people from accessing sport. These barriers are not only multifaceted but also deeply interconnected with social, economic, and cultural factors. In this blog post, we explore the key challenges that young people face when trying to access sport and what we as universities can do to help break down these barriers.
1. Socioeconomic Barriers: A Lack of Access to Resources
One of the most significant barriers to sport participation is socioeconomic disadvantage. Research has shown that young people from low-income families are less likely to participate in sports, primarily due to the costs associated with sport, such as fees for equipment, club membership, and transportation (Sport England, 2018). Sports like tennis, swimming, and golf often require expensive gear and access to specific facilities, which may not be available in low-income areas. Moreover, for children and adolescents in families struggling with financial instability, the prioritisation of basic needs over extracurricular activities, including sport, is a harsh reality.
2. Limited Access to Facilities and Opportunities
Many communities, especially in rural or underprivileged urban areas, suffer from a lack of accessible and affordable sports facilities. Schools and local councils may not have the resources to maintain or invest in quality sports infrastructure, leaving young people with few opportunities to engage in physical activity. Additionally, in some areas, sports clubs and community organisations are scarce, further exacerbating the difficulty in finding appropriate places for young people to engage in sports. When facilities do exist, they may not be equipped to support inclusive activities for all young people, including those with adaptive needs. In this context, the lack of specialised programs and accessible equipment represents a barrier to youth participation in sport.
3. Gender Inequality in Sport
Gender-based barriers remain a significant challenge for young girls and women in accessing sport. Stereotypes and societal expectations surrounding femininity often deter girls from engaging in traditionally male-dominated sports or in sports altogether. Research indicates that girls are often discouraged from participating in sports due to a perceived lack of “femininity” or because of concerns about how they might be perceived by peers. Additionally, media representation of female athletes is limited although inmproving, and coverage often focuses more on appearance than athletic achievement, reinforcing stereotypes that can alienate young girls from participating.
In many parts of the world, cultural expectations also limit young women’s involvement in physical activities. This situation is further exacerbated in settings where there is a lack of female role models or female coaches, reducing the likelihood of young women seeing themselves represented in the sporting landscape.
4. Psychological and Social Barriers: Lack of Confidence and Peer Pressure
Psychological factors also play a pivotal role in limiting sport participation. A common barrier for young people, particularly adolescents, is lack of self-confidence and the fear of not being good enough. Adolescents are at a critical stage of identity development, and the pressure to conform to peer expectations can create significant barriers to participation. For some, the fear of being judged, failing, or not fitting in with peers can outweigh any desire to engage in sport.
Moreover, peer pressure and the desire to conform to group norms can influence the decision to participate in sports. Some young people may feel reluctant to join sports teams or clubs due to worries about not being accepted by their peers or being socially ostracized for showing interest in activities that are not deemed “popular.”
6. Disability and Inclusivity Barriers
For young people with disabilities, access to sport can be even more limited. Despite growing awareness of inclusive sports programs, many young athletes with disabilities continue to face physical, psychological, and social barriers when attempting to engage in sport. Physical accessibility remains a major obstacle, as facilities are often not adapted for those with mobility impairments. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of programs tailored to the needs of young people with disabilities, and the lack of professional coaches with expertise in adaptive sports makes participation even more challenging.
Additionally, the social stigma around disability can create barriers to participation, as young people with disabilities may face discrimination or exclusion from mainstream sports environments. This exclusion can lead to feelings of isolation and further hinder their motivation to engage in physical activities.
To break down these barriers, a multi-faceted approach is required. Encouraging the creation of community-based programs that are affordable and welcoming to young people from all backgrounds can help ensure greater access to sport for underserved populations. One way we are hoping to support the community of Birmingham is an initiative to engage 11–14-year-olds into education when they are at risk of school non-attendance through sport. It would be great to hear from anyone who can support!
K.Cronin@bham.ac.uk