Part of our mission at the Centre for Healthy Youth Development Through Sport involves supporting and highlighting student researchers.
We do this by involving undergraduate and graduate students in ongoing projects to build research capacity and providing quality learning opportunities to students through active and experiential education.
Students interested in getting involved in research within CHYDS should contact [email protected].
Please check out some of our Student Research Projects below to find out more about the research our students are doing.
Student Research Projects
Small teams, big impact? Investigating player retention in Ontario youth rugby
Project Lead: Bo Vink
SUMMARY
In partnership with Rugby Ontario, Brock MSc student Bo Vink is investigating whether 10-a-side or 13-a-side rugby is more suitable for U12 and U14 athletes. Each form of rugby has its advantages, but with high dropout rates among young athletes, this research will provide clarification on which structure is best for the sport’s growth and retention. Through the use of questionnaires and video analysis of rugby drills, the research team examines the athletes’ intention to return to rugby the following season, while also assessing their skill and commitment to the sport. The project serves as a pilot study that includes two rugby clubs in Ontario, with the intention of validating measures and expanding the research across more clubs.
Municipality of Port Hope Youth Needs
Project Lead: Caroline Hummell
Partnering Organization: Community Researchers, The Centre for Sport Capacity
Year: 2021
SUMMARY
This research, conducted by Brock PhD student Caroline Hummell in partnership with Community Researchers and The Centre for Sport Capacity, examines the current state and landscape of youth programming in Port Hope, ON. Employing a mixed-methods approach using surveys and focus groups, this research highlights youth’s perceptions of existing programs, identifies barriers to participation in programs, and considers current trends regarding youth wants and needs for future programs. Based on the findings, the report provides practical recommendations for Port Hope stakeholders to improve youth programming moving forward.