ABSTRACT
The positive youth development (PYD) perspective is a strength-based approach focused on developing the potential of all youth. Within this perspective, the term ‘contribution’ is used and features prominently in both general and sport-specific applications of PYD. In this chapter, we position contribution as an important outcome which may be promoted through after-school sport programs. First, we highlight the importance of contribution within PYD, present a recently developed theoretical definition of contribution, and review the limited literature on the topic of contribution through sport. Next, we conceptualize the development of life skills within youth sport programming and the transfer of life skills to other life domains as means for young athlete to contribute to themselves as well as their communities. Other forms of contribution that have been studied in older youth athlete populations are then examined which may suggest how younger athletes may benefit from opportunities to contribute. Finally, we conclude by exploring how after-school youth sport programs may foster and enhance the contributions of their participants.
