Abstract:
Sport is a powerful development tool and social connector. Sport development programmes are often perceived as an
effective means of encouraging youth development and teaching positive values, as well as providing opportunities
for developmental experiences. This study was set out to understand youth experiences of a rural South African sport
development programme and to identify the factors which contributed to the youth experiences. Thus, the study
aimed to construct authentic knowledge and respond to tensions and debates about youth development and rurality
in an African context. This study followed a qualitative, descriptive research design. Purposive sampling was applied
and arts-informed methods such as drawings and photovoice, combined with semi-structured interviews, were
used for data construction. Qualitative data analysis computer software ATLAS.ti (v.8.4.15) was used, and semiotic
visual data analysis, photovoice data analysis strategies, thematic data analysis and member reflection were used as
methods for data analysis. The results of this study highlighted multiple perspectives of the participants’ experiences
and complexities of relationships within the social context of the youth participants in the study. Therefore, youth
experiences and perspectives cannot be viewed in isolation. The sports development programmes need to consider
working with schools, parents, teachers and coaches. It emerged from the results that social interaction, a sense of
family, the desire for positive relationships and a conducive sports environment were considered critical aspects that
promoted positive experiences in the sport development programme.
