Small businesses and corporations know that sponsoring local, regional and state youth sports programs is a great way to increase company awareness, enhance their brand, and grow relationships with community youth, families, coaches, program organizers and fans.
Sports programs, leagues and associations know that getting financial support from small businesses is key to them reaching and engaging more youth, and promoting greater positive youth development in their communities.
Businesses are looking for opportunities to have a better return on investment (ROI) when sponsoring a sport team, program or league.
One new opportunity is for businesses and sports programs to partner to prevent substance use and problems among young athletes.
Here are three reasons why a sponsorship to prevent youth substance use is a win-win for both businesses and youth sports programs.
Three Reasons for Preventing Substance Use in Youth Sports
First, research shows that sports participation can place youth at greater risk for some types of substance use, particularly alcohol and marijuana consumption. This makes youth sports an ideal place to provide effective substance use messages, particularly if they target the needs of youth participating in sports.
For example, young athletes need to learn how specific substance use can interfere with their athletic and academic performance, how sports, exercise and healthy habits can improve their achievements and self-identity, and how to set goals to enhance their future fitness, health and success on and off the field.
Second, alcohol and drug use is a key factor in youth underperforming and failing at athletics and academics. It can also prevent talented young athletes from being recruited and advancing in their athletic careers.
Coaches know that substance use by athletes at any level is destructive to their physical, mental and spiritual development, and their success as athletes and people. There is nothing more important in a young person’s life than avoiding harmful substance use that can decrease and destroy their career, health, relationships, and life.
Third, there is a research-based substance use program that prevents alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use while also promoting fitness habits like physical activity, sports, healthy nutrition, getting adequate sleep, controlling stress, and setting goals to enhance self-image among young athletes.
The program, SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW), is the nation’s only single-session prevention with fitness program listed on the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP). SPORT PPW is being used throughout the US and can be quickly and easily provided to youth in sports, fitness and recreation programs by their coaches, volunteer parents, youth peer leaders, teachers, and even online.
Conclusion
Businesses of all sizes are looking for greater ROI when sponsoring youth sports. Meanwhile, sports programs are seeking ways to expand their reach and impact on promoting positive youth development in their communities.
One critical new opportunity for businesses and sports programs to partner is around preventing youth substance use. Since kids in sports are at greater risk for certain types of substance use, and substance use is a key factor in youth underperforming and failing in both athletics and academics, sports are an ideal setting to provide effective prevention messages that target fitness and sports promotion.
SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness is a proven, practical strategy for providing effective substance use prevention messages for youth in sports, fitness and recreation programs.
As such, SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness is a perfect solution for bringing together businesses and youth sports programs in new partnerships aimed at preventing youth substance use and promoting fit and active youth lifestyles.
Business sponsorship of evidence-based programs like SPORT PPW to prevent youth substance use is a win-win for both businesses and youth sports programs.
For more information about practical, effective substance use prevention programs that also promote fitness, sports and healthy lifestyles among youth and young adults, check out: http://preventionpluswellness.com
Please share this important information with others in your area and state. Thank you!