How to engage Young People..

Coach engaging his Young Participant

The first step to engage young young people in activities, sports and programmes is to involve them in the decision making process. This can be done by holding discussions where they are able to voice their views, ideas and any concerns they may have.  Young people can be very imaginative and enthusiastic therefore some of their ideas may not always be feasable. Ensure that you show appreciation to it even if it is unfeasable and demonstrate the reasons they cannot be carried out. Don't dismiss what they have to say as they are likely to feel they are not being listened to. Suggest alternatives to their proposals which are on a smaller scale and achievable in the short and long term.

On a long term basis set a system where young people can regularly express their views and have them recorded for future reference and learning. You can use measures such as questionnaires which investigate young people's feelings about how things are going in the programmes. Make it clear that you value their opinion and that you aim to provide the most enjoyable experience for them. Make a commitment that they have an option of their answers being confidential. This contribute to creating  an environment they feel safe in and building trusting towards you.

Furthermore, aim to produce an atmosphere that is friendly and positive among the young people themselves. Young people can be mistrusting of people in their same age group. Break down this barrier by organising ice breakers which requires them to talk about their experience (negative or positive) to the rest of the group. Additionally, ask the young people to come up with a shared vision in what they want to get out of their involvment. Display this vision clearly around the facility. This will create a shared common aim for everyone to relate to. 

Treat every person as an individual who has their own personality and taste. Take an interest in their other hobbies they may tell you about. Show interest. Find out what makes them 'tick' and work on everyone's strengths. A strength my be a young person with leadership qualities; give this person a responsibility that they like. Another strength might be organisation; give this person a planning task that they actually like. The point is delegate tasks so they feel a part of it and challenged at the same time. It means they are learning skills and enjoying themselves in one go. Also work on the group's strength as a whole.

This strength may be thriving from reward and achievement. Give them a 'licence' to show that they have been merited in their efforts and achievements. Offer certificates/qualifications for them to show off to their peers, family and future employers. Young people should feel appreciated. Reward is likely to bring intrinsic motivation and a sense of self-worth. More importantly it will do wonders for their overall confidence engaging in future programmes.

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