Georgia Teare, Marijke Taks

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced different ways of engaging with youth sport and physical activity (SPA). These different ways of engaging might have affected perceptions of value for such experiences. As such, guided by Social Ecology Theory and the Disconfirmation Paradigm, we explore families’ anticipated post-pandemic perceptions of value from youth SPA. All data were collected with families during the pandemic, in 2021. Interviews with families and youth sport providers informed questionnaires administered to 550 families in Ontario. The survey assessed the families’ perceived value of different ways of engaging in youth SPA after the pandemic is over. Results provide insights for how youth sport providers can better recruit and retain participants in post-pandemic recovery.

Keywords: Community Sport, Families, Physical Activity Participation, Sport Participation, Youth Sport

Citation: Teare, G., & Taks, M. (2024). Families’ perceptions of value of youth sport and physical activity: Post-pandemic implications for recovery, recruitment, and retention. International Journal of Sport Management, 25(2), 134-161.

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