Youth Voice, The Future of Sports

Youth voice initiatives, growing in popularity for organisations both in and outside of sport, are not a new concept, but they are a key impact opportunity that should not be missed.  

But what does it really mean? 

Incorporating youth voice into your strategy as a sporting organisation is more than just a tick-box exercise, and it can be created in many different ways. Feedback forms and a questionnaire are not enough, and in many cases, reduce engagement with young people. A real, tangible experience where young people can be seen and heard in their sport is the best starting point; group conversations and sharing of experiences and preferences are far more valuable.  

How to do it? 

For the under-16-year-old category, it might sound logistically problematic, or easy to shy away from because of the age group, but their opinions and insights might be just the value you need. Peer group play-and-say sessions for the younger categories with well-designed activities that gather expression and preferences can be cleverly designed to make the experience engaging and fun. 

Over 16-year-olds can really get stuck in if they are passionate about their sport and their future in the sport. Forming an advisory board or youth group that meets and replicates your own governing board is a great place to start. The experience formed from the applicants, successful board and subsequent alumni set the stage for the next generation of thinkers and decision makers. It also provides a sustainable opportunity for participation and involvement where each board works to design a better experience for the next board and rolls into an alumni group, so they continue adding value to their own experience and C.V. 

What then? 

Be prepared for change, to take action and further consult with your community. Ensuring that organisations meaningfully involve young people, removing well-intentioned but ultimately tokenistic forms of engagement, is down to how they design and implement youth voice. It has to work for your organisation and your youth, and most importantly, you have to listen, then be prepared to make the changes. This is where the impact outcome will evolve into the next generation of your sport.  

If you would like further help and support on how to incorporate youth voice into your organisation, then please contact us today. To see one of our recent case studies on Youth Voice, click here to visit The British DanceSport Association Youth Advisory Group.  

Youth Advisory Group | BDSA