Motivational factors for youth recruitment in voluntary interventions: the case of a community sport program. Issue 7 (2nd October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Plante, Catherine; Moreau, Nicolas; Jaimes, Annie; Turbide, Carole
• Is Part Of: Sport, education and society. Volume 21:Issue 7(2016)
• Page Start: 1071
• Page End: 1090
• Publication Date: 2016-10-02
• Subjects: Young people -- Sports -- Recruitment -- Motivational factors -- Community program; Physical education and training -- Periodicals; School sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 796.07
• DOI: 10.1080/13573322.2014.975115
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-3322

Abstract

Abstract : Recruitment is known to be a challenge for intervention programs targeting youths, including sports programs. Following the popularity of the Alter-Action program of the Montreal-based organization DesÉquilibres, we wanted to understand the motivations and barriers to youths' recruitment in this voluntary sports community program. A qualitative methodology was favored. We conducted 27 semi-structured interviews ( n = 27) with participants, 5 ( n = 5) with the partners, and we carried out a focus group with 5 ( n = 5) of the organization's service practitioners. We also conducted a participant observation with youth cohorts and during preparatory meetings. Five factors influencing recruitment emerged: (1) socialization/belonging; (2) training/physical aspects; (3) 'extraordinary' dimension; (4) practicality of the program; and (5) social influences. Four key elements thus appear important to consider when promoting the recruitment of youths in voluntary community programs: (1) favoring social interactions; (2) insisting on the specific and beneficial elements of the program; (3) allowing youths to experiment a trial period; and (4) including testimonies of former participants in the information session. Further recommendations for psychosocial intervention programs targeting youths are discussed in this article.