Youth Sport in Ireland

Book excerpt: Youth Sport in Ireland is based on extensive original research and examines the lifestyle patterns of Irish adolescents as we begin a new millennium. The study particularly focuses on the sporting trends of adolescents and provides comprehensive data against which the broad impact of existing programmes and policies can be assessed. The challenge of keeping teenagers active against the competition of television, DVDs, mobile phones, computer games, the drink and drug culture or the pressures of doing well in school is a daunting one. This book examines these issues in detail and offers practical tips on how parents and schools can help to keep children physically active. Research shows that children who remain active during adolescence are likely to continue to do so throughout their lives. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book will be of considerable interest to sports administrators, coaches, teachers, parents, youth workers and policy makers.