Long-Term Life-Skill Transfer from Sport-Based Positive Youth Development Programs

Sport-based positive youth development programs focus on life skill development and transfer. However, few long-term follow-up studies examine life skill transfer and application of skills from the perspective of sport-based positive youth development participants who are now young adults. To explore long-term skill development, transfer, and factors influencing long-term skill application, researchers conducted interviews with 13 young adults who participated in an SBPYD program 4 or more years ago. All participants self-identified as Black/African American and cisgender. A majority of participants were male, with ages ranging from 19 to 25 (M = 21). Thematic qualitative analysis revealed four contexts in which participants transferred life skills learned, including individually in relation to their health and well-being, interpersonally in relationships, in social settings such as work and at school, and during their involvement in social justice or civic activities in their communities. Five primary facilitators of life skill transfer were described by young adults, including socialization with other youth, staff support, reinforcements of skills during program activities, participation in other positive youth development programs, and family support. Findings demonstrate the value of sport-based positive youth development many years post- participation and shed light on factors that contribute to youths' developmental assets that persist beyond their engagement in sport.