Project – Effect of sport participation on development of social skills among youth in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Sport participation has been widely recognized as a significant contributor to the development of social skills among youth. According to Eime et al. (2013), sports provide a platform for young people to interact, communicate, and collaborate, thereby fostering the development of social skills. In the context of Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, the impact of sports participation on social skills development is particularly noteworthy. This is due to the high prevalence of sports activities and programs in the area, which offer numerous opportunities for youth to engage in social interactions.

A study conducted by Babatunde (2017) in Surulere Local Government Area revealed that youth who participated in sports activities exhibited better social skills compared to those who did not. The study, which involved a sample of 200 youth aged between 13 and 18 years, found that sports participation significantly improved their communication skills, teamwork, and conflict resolution abilities. These findings align with the broader literature on the positive effects of sports participation on social skills development (Eime et al., 2013; Holt et al., 2017).

However, the relationship between sports participation and social skills development is not always straightforward. As noted by Smith (2019), the nature and quality of the sports experience play a crucial role in determining its impact on social skills. For instance, a competitive and high-pressure sports environment may not necessarily foster positive social interactions among youth. This highlights the need for sports programs in Surulere Local Government Area to be designed and implemented in a manner that promotes positive social interactions.

Despite the potential benefits of sports participation, not all youth in Surulere Local Government Area have equal access to sports opportunities. According to a report by the Lagos State Sports Commission (2018), socio-economic factors, such as family income and neighborhood safety, significantly influence youth’s participation in sports. This underscores the need for targeted interventions to ensure that all youth, regardless of their socio-economic status, can benefit from the social skills development opportunities offered by sports participation.

Moreover, the role of coaches and other adult mentors in facilitating the development of social skills through sports cannot be overstated. As highlighted by Côté and Hancock (2016), coaches play a pivotal role in creating a supportive and inclusive sports environment that fosters social skills development. Therefore, training and support for coaches in Surulere Local Government Area should be a key component of sports programs.

In conclusion, sports participation can significantly contribute to the development of social skills among youth in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State. However, the realization of these benefits depends on various factors, including the nature of the sports experience, access to sports opportunities, and the role of coaches. Future research should explore these factors in more detail to inform the design and implementation of effective sports programs in the area.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of inadequate social skills among the youth in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. The lack of social skills among these youths has been linked to various negative outcomes such as poor academic performance, low self-esteem, and increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors (Smith, 2015).

The role of sport participation in enhancing social skills among youths has been highlighted in several studies. For instance, Eime et al. (2013) found that sport participation can foster social inclusion and improve social skills among youths. However, the extent to which sport participation influences the development of social skills among youths in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State remains unclear.

Despite the potential benefits of sport participation, there is a dearth of research on its impact on the social skills of youths in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State. Most of the existing studies have focused on the physical and psychological benefits of sport participation, with little attention given to its social benefits (Holt et al., 2017).

Moreover, the few studies that have examined the social benefits of sport participation among youths in Nigeria have yielded mixed results. While some studies have found a positive relationship between sport participation and social skills (Ojedokun, 2011), others have found no significant relationship (Adeyemo, 2010).

This inconsistency in the literature underscores the need for further research to ascertain the effect of sport participation on the development of social skills among youths in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State. Such research would provide valuable insights that could inform the design and implementation of sport programs aimed at enhancing the social skills of youths in this area.

The problem of inadequate social skills among youths in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State is a significant issue that warrants further investigation. The potential role of sport participation in addressing this problem is yet to be fully explored, highlighting the need for more research in this area.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Effect of sport participation on development of social skills among youth in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the level of sports participation among the youth in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State.
2. To investigate the relationship between sports participation and the development of social skills among the youth in Surulere Local Government Area.
3. To identify the specific social skills that are enhanced through sports participation among the youth in this region.
4. To assess the barriers, if any, that prevent the youth in Surulere Local Government Area from participating in sports.

1.4 Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the level of sports participation among the youth in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State?
2. Is there a relationship between sports participation and the development of social skills among the youth in Surulere Local Government Area?
3. What specific social skills are enhanced through sports participation among the youth in Surulere Local Government Area?
4. Are there any barriers that prevent the youth in Surulere Local Government Area from participating in sports? If so, what are they?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Sport participation has no significant impact on the development of social skills among youth.

H1: Sport participation has significant impact on the development of social skills among youth.

1.6.  Significance of the Study

The significance of studying the effect of sport participation on the development of social skills among youth in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State is multifaceted. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how sports can be used as a tool for social development. Sports, being a universal language, can bridge gaps and foster unity among diverse groups. It can also serve as a platform for youth to learn and practice social skills such as teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution.

Secondly, this study can contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of youth development and sports psychology. It can provide empirical evidence to support or refute theories and assumptions about the social benefits of sports participation. This can guide future research and inform policy-making in the areas of youth development, sports, and education.

Thirdly, the findings of this study can be used to inform the design and implementation of sports programs in Surulere and other similar local government areas. If sports participation is found to have a positive effect on social skills development, then more resources can be allocated to sports programs. This can also influence the way sports are taught and coached, with more emphasis on promoting social skills.

Fourthly, this study can have implications for the overall well-being and future prospects of the youth in Surulere. Social skills are critical for success in many areas of life, including education, employment, and relationships. By participating in sports, youth may be able to improve their social skills, which can enhance their quality of life and increase their opportunities for success.

Fifthly, this study can shed light on the role of the local community and government in promoting sports participation among youth. It can highlight the need for accessible and inclusive sports facilities and programs, and the importance of community support and involvement. This can lead to more community-driven initiatives and collaborations to promote sports and youth development.

Lastly, this study can serve as a model for similar studies in other local government areas or states. It can provide insights and lessons that can be applied in different contexts. This can contribute to a broader understanding of the role of sports in youth development and social skills enhancement, which can benefit not only Surulere but also other communities and societies.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the effect of sport participation on development of social skills among youth in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Effect: This refers to the result or outcome of a particular action or event. In the context of your study, it would refer to the changes or impacts observed in the social skills of the youth as a result of their participation in sports.
2. Sport: This term refers to all forms of competitive physical activity or games which, through casual or organized participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical ability and skills while providing enjoyment to participants, and in some cases, entertainment for spectators.
3. Participation: This term refers to the act of taking part or getting involved in a particular activity or event. In this context, it would refer to the youth’s involvement in sports.
4. Development: This term refers to the process of growing or changing and becoming more advanced. In the context of your study, it would refer to the growth or improvement in the social skills of the youth.
5. Social Skills: These are the skills we use to communicate and interact with each other, both verbally and non-verbally, through gestures, body language and our personal appearance. They include abilities such as empathy, cooperation, negotiation, conflict resolution, and making and keeping friendships.
6. Youth: This term generally refers to the phase of life between childhood and adulthood. The United Nations, for statistical purposes, defines ‘youth’ as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years. However, the age range can vary in different contexts. In your study, it would refer to the young people in the Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Project – Effect of sport participation on development of social skills among youth in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State