Adults and Children

Proficiency is of paramount importance when promoting athletic performance in children and adolescents. The adolescent years are appealing in the areas of sport and independent behaviour during this significant phase of the lifespan. Cognitive development and psychosocial development during adolescence are an intriguing prospect. Throughout childhood and adolescence, physical activity is surrounded by the many environmental aspects indispensable to achieving full potential for growth and development.

The pressure to participate in the sporting world may be immense for adolescent youth. Trust and empathy skills are needed: it takes a special individual to communicate with, articulate to and invigorate youth for performance in many arenas, including sport. Children and adolescents tend to model themselves after adults, or after perceived adult sport heroes. Patience while working with youth is a highly sought-after skill that comes with the territory. A child may have significant struggles with mood, anxiety or the fear of not fitting in. Comprehension of diversity may play an important role during the period of growth and development, and socioeconomic, cultural and gender concerns are areas one must be aware of.

Children may be vulnerable to what they see and hear, and act it out while emulating an adult. Adolescents may have too much too soon, or carry the moniker of the next great athlete or the best in the country. Acceptance from peers, or jealousy, may come into play for this age group. Injury may also be a vulnerability, as some adults push a child’s young body to the maximum and this may cause burnout. The adult athlete may base performance on staying in shape rather than modelling themselves after other athletes. Impairments common in children and adolescents are fear and shyness, and difficulty letting others know that they really do not want to participate in the sporting world.