Leading world researchers, industry figures and policy makers are coming to Flinders University to help improve outcomes in youth sports – from understanding the role of sleep, getting the best out of coaching to creating a dynamic pipeline for the next generation of players.
Decreasing risks, increasing benefits is the theme of the 1st National Youth Sport Conference (NYSC) 2023 which will strengthen collaboration and share knowledge about some of today’s key challenges facing athletes, clubs, families and communities.
“By bringing together this global line-up of experts we will be sharing the latest information with fellow researchers and education specialists in the field to find new ways to maximise youth sport outcomes on the road to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics,” says conference convenor and College of Education, Psychology and Social Work’s Associate Professor Sam Elliott.
“Mental health, coaching and family support, bouncing back after injuries and the gender pay gap are just some of the topical presentations to be given over the two days.
“It is rare that the best intellectual minds in youth sport have an opportunity to share ideas like this, especially in Adelaide. But on the back of the AFL Gather Round, LIV Golf event, and the Adelaide Thunderbirds success, Adelaide is fast becoming the sporting capital of Australia, so it is fitting that we have the inaugural conference here,” he says.
The conference will be opened by the Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP and will explore social, political, psychological and performative dimensions of youth sport.
Flinders University has a prominent role in the event, with 17 research presentations spanning the breadth of research in youth sport including cultural responsibilities of sporting clubs, nutrition, recovery from injury, parental behaviour and improving the management of mental health.
The latest Flinders research will be shared including Barriers for Mental Health Support in Sport by Associate Professor Elliott and Promoting mental health among young males in sporting contexts: A systematic review by Dr Jasmine Peterson.
The National Youth Sport Conference will be held 16-17 November at the Flinders University Tonsley Campus, 1284 South Road, Clovelly Park.
The conference program is available here.
