ABSTRACT
With physical activity continuing to be one of the most significant challenges facing contemporary societies, this chapter considers the centrality of building positive early experiences in sport and physical activity as the basis for long term engagement. Whilst understanding through recent research has led to advancements in the area, differing developmental trajectories, outdated approaches and unhelpful misconceptions add further layers of complexity to working with youth populations. Through a review of some of the most recent thinking and an overview of a selection of the most highly regarded models of youth sport development, this chapter communicates some simple theoretical and applied messages in planning and delivery of positive youth sport programmes. Considering the escalation of strength and conditioning positions aligned to youth sport, this chapter identifies the centrality of child and youth specific knowledge for practitioners entering the field.
