In episode four of our six-part junior sport series, we once again sit down registered sports psychologist Joel Curtis from Endeavour Wellness to discuss a challenge facing clubs right across Australia — why young people are walking away from sport.
While sport has the power to build confidence, friendships and lifelong memories, many young athletes lose their passion for the game during their teenage years. But why does this happen? Is it pressure, burnout, unrealistic expectations, overscheduling, or simply a loss of enjoyment?
Joel helps unpack the warning signs of burnout, the factors that influence motivation, and the role parents, coaches and clubs can play in creating environments where young athletes want to stay involved for the long term.
This episode is packed with practical advice and valuable insights for anyone involved in community sport, with a focus on helping young people develop healthy, sustainable relationships with sport that last well beyond their junior years.
Whether you're a coach, parent, volunteer or athlete, this is an important conversation about keeping the fun in sport and ensuring the next generation continues to experience all the benefits that community sport has to offer.