Exploring the Association between Sports Participation and Development of Social Skills and Social Well-Being among Youth

Abstract

This study examined the association between sports participation and the development of social skills and social well-being among youth in the locality of Layyah District, Punjab. Teachers, parents, students, and alumni constituted the population of the study. All the said strata established a group of the populace, which was named the community. An appropriate sample comprised of n= 494 participated in the study. It is important to mention that after the elimination of forty-two (42) invalid and incomplete questionnaires, the researcher used 452 valid questionnaires in the data analysis processes. The viewpoint of the community members was ascertained with the help of a structured questionnaire, which was developed under the guidance of the research supervisor and related literature. Results of the study have asserted that the community members have a very encouraging stance regarding the importance of sports and perceived that sports activities are very helpful in the overall development of their participants. Participation in sports was perceived as an effective tool to promote social and moral character values one may take part in sports activities. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that different kinds of sports events may be conducted in collaboration with the local authorities. Similarly, the promotion of sports programs in educational institutions may be ensured by having a nursery of sports from the grassroots level. Community sports clubs may be encouraged by facilitating financial as well as other required facilities in order to get maximum sports participation.