Why excluding vulnerable youth poses a structural risk to the association (and how autonomy solves this).
Summary
The traditional structure of Dutch sports clubs, historically focused on performance and selection, unintentionally excludes a growing group of vulnerable young people. This article analyzes the case of the archetype "Dirk" against the backdrop of declining mental health rates. We argue that the solution to behavioral problems lies not in repression (suspension), but in a pedagogical system intervention based on autonomy and ownership.
1. The Obsolescence of the 'Gold' Model
Many clubs still operate on a blueprint from the last century: the selection model. This system is often controlled by a generation that has been in charge for decades and is optimized for the motorically skilled child who smoothly participates in group processes.For this group, the association functions as an effective performance factory.
However, the demographic and psychological reality has shifted. A significant portion of the youth population does not fit this profile. They experience insecurity, motor developmental delays, or social anxiety.In practice, we see that these young people—referred to in this piece as the archetype "Dirk"—often try to make themselves invisible, until their frustration reaches a boiling point. This manifests itself in externalizing behavior: aggression, sabotage, or literally "kicking balls across the room.". + 1
The reflexive reaction of clubs – suspension or expulsion – is a form of symptom management. It masks a deeper systemic failure: the inability to provide value to members who do not directly contribute to sporting success ("Gold"). Research into the Mulier Institute confirms that performance pressure and the lack of enjoyment/sense of competence are dominant factors for sports dropout among young people.
2. The triangle of well-being: The association as a necessary safety net
From a sociological perspective, a young person's well-being is based on three pillars: the home situation, education, and the social domain (leisure time). Recent data from the RIVM and CBS (Health Survey) shows a worrying trend: mental pressure and loneliness among young people are increasing, a trend that differs from the situation twenty years ago.
The stability of the first two pillars is under pressure:
- The home situation is subject to complex parenting patterns and is difficult to influence by external parties.
- Education is struggling with capacity problems, which limits individual customization.
This makes the sports club the crucial "third pillar." When this pillar also collapses due to exclusion (the dismissal of the "difficult" young person), the safety net collapses and social isolation threatens. The social costs of this are many times higher than the investment in inclusive sports policy.
3. From Protocol to Pedagogy: The Application of Self-Determination Theory
The solution to behavioral problems in sports lies in a fundamental revision of the role of the member. According to the Self-Determination Theory Ryan & Deci believe that intrinsic motivation and well-being are fueled by three basic needs: Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness.³
In the 'Dirk' case, the traditional model fails Competence (he cannot keep up with his sister physically) and Connectedness (he is being bullied). The intervention that Sportjeal advocates, focuses on restoring Autonomy.
Instead of "pampering" young people or taking everything out of their hands – a trend that leads to passivity and boredom – we advocate for task-oriented integration. By giving a vulnerable young person responsibility for a specific area (for example, equipment management or assisting with training), their identity shifts from "nuisance" to "indispensable support." This creates a sense of ownership and security, providing the child with a framework yet experiencing independence within it.
4. Conclusion: The System Transition
Allowing for diversity requires clubs to redefine their definition of success. An inclusive club offers space for "micro-roles" where young people can experience competence outside of the sports arena. This requires leaders who focus on cultural change rather than incident management.
As the analysis shows, as the group struggling grows, the individual is no longer the exception, but the system becomes the source of failure. Innovation in the sports sector therefore doesn't mean more rules or protocols, but more room for diverse forms of participation. Dirk is therefore not a problem case, but an implementation agenda for the modern club.
Sources & References:
- Mulier Institute (2023). Sports behavior and dropout among young people. The study shows that a focus on competition and a lack of a sense of competence are leading factors in the choice to quit sports.
- RIVM & CBS (2024). Health Survey / Youth Monitor. Reports a rising trend in mental health complaints and pressure among young people aged 12-18 years.
- Ryan, RM, & Deci, EL (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist. This forms the scientific basis for the Sportjeal-methodology (Autonomy, Connectedness, Competence).
