Effectiveness of a structured community-based sports program on students’ behaviour and academic achievement

After-school engagement (ASE) programs are increasingly being offered in secondary schools and these programs provide essential support to students. However, the activities are often classroom based and lack the element of sports. Schools can explore alternative ASE programs which may be more effective in the holistic development of the students. Understanding the effects of structured sports program on students will provide valuable information in the development of ASE programs to implement strategies that attempt to increase student motivation, achievement and promote positive behaviour and character, while providing students opportunities to sports. The purpose of this study is to investigate (1) the effects of structured sports program on students’ behaviour and academic achievement and (2) the attitudes and behaviour of students during sports activities. Ten participants were recruited and quantitative data, in the form of questionnaires, were collected before and after participation in the sports program. There were no significant differences found on students’ behaviour, academic achievement, attitudes and behaviour during sport activities. However, significant differences have been reported for achieve and connect domains and the goal setting and cultural competence indicators. There was also significant difference in the application of Game for Life framework by the coach during the program. Overall, participants have also shown to have positive benefits after the sessions. This study concluded that it is necessary to further investigate the effects of structured sports program more specifically in the school setting to detail the outcomes for effective character education through after-school sports engagement programs.Bachelor of Science (Sport Science and Management