Rectangle Co-Founder and CEO Christie Stanton recently caught up with Chris Casey, CEO of Tennis Northern, who shared valuable insights into why organised sport is critical to the development of our youth in all facets of their lives, and how Tennis is playing its role.

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The role of trained role models

Organised sport, as Chris highlights, provides a uniquely supportive and structured environment. It’s not just about competition; it's about holistic development across physical, psychological, and social dimensions. This is ensured through trained role models such as qualified coaches, mentors, umpires/officials, and teachers.

These individuals are key to providing:

• Guidance, support, and motivation for every participant.
• Safe learning environments.
• Education around best practice for the children within the activities.

Beyond the classroom – the coaching advantage

Chris points out that young people are naturally drawn to organised sport because it's fun, exciting, and their friends are involved. This intrinsic motivation creates an excellent learning atmosphere.

The smaller ratio of coach/mentor to students allows coaches to:

• Further understand players and their developmental needs.
• Ensure that teaching psychological, social, and emotional skills is just as important as technical/tactical skills.

Creating avenues for lifelong engagement

The development of a player's intrinsic and extrinsic motivations is paramount, according to Chris. By focusing on motivation, Tennis can open doors to various avenues within the sport, ensuring engagement continues long after competitive play.

These pathways include:

• Performance: Conditioning, Fitness, Nutrition.
• Leadership: Coaching, Officiating, Event Managing, Volunteering, and supporting other juniors.

Sport as a life skills educator

Tennis, like other organised sports, acts as a powerful platform for teaching essential life skills that transfer directly into everyday life:

• Problem solving & decision making
• Goal setting & time management
• Teamwork & social skills
• Emotional regulation
• Honesty, respect, fair play and good conduct
• Leadership

Developing confident people, then athletes

Ultimately, focusing on life skills in youth sport allows Tennis Northern and its affiliated clubs to develop a generation of youth who are confident and capable as people first, and then as athletes.

Chris concluded by noting that research shows people who gain so much from a sport often end up giving back to it. Given the sports industry's heavy reliance on volunteers and the wider community, this focus on youth development is a critical priority that ensures a sustainable cycle of future role models.