Researchers explore news ways to get kids active

Victoria University postdoctoral fellow researcher Dr Aurélie Pankowiak has been awarded a $233,392 VicHealth Fellowship to contribute to the Health and Wellbeing of Victorian Children and Youth, through sport.

Dr Pankowiak’s VicHealth program of research aims to engage children and youth in an innovative and youth-driven, community-based sport program. It will build on her work within the Physical Activity and Sports Insights team (PASI).

With 30,000 fewer Australian children aged 4 to 14 registered in club sport compared to pre-COVID years – and nearly half of them dropping out as teens – finding ways to engage children in physical activity is more urgent than ever.

The three-year Fellowship will include the development of an innovative community program focused on engaging and re-engaging children and youth outside of the traditional competitive sporting club structures.

“Our previous research has shown children and youth who are physically active with their friends through club-based sport have improved health outcomes,” Dr Pankowiak said.

But many drop out during adolescence – particularly girls. The focus on winning in community club-based sport can create a hyper-competitive environment which contributes to dropout rates. Other reasons for dropout or not engaging in the first place can include not having fun or concerns over safety and inclusivity.

Dr Pankowiak aims to take a place(community)-based and youth-informed approach, engaging diverse stakeholders including youth, parents, local councils, sport and recreation organisations.

“This will inform what we are calling the Sport4Me program, centring children and youth experiences and motivations with a focus on fun, friends and flexibility.  Our ambition is to encourage the development of a new model of sport delivery, in traditional sports such as basketball or newly popular sports such as skateboarding. It will depend on the kids’ interests,” she said.

“We hope at the conclusion of this research program that Sport4Me will offer an inclusive and accessible platform for children and youth to participate in sport. And that our work will encourage new sport offerings centring on children and youth development and wellbeing.”