For Grown-Ups

An important part of the Global Sport Fund (GSF) programme involves selecting and working with effective adult role models, who help guide young people in different countries around the world to practise behaviours that are use needed as they transition to adulthood. Among these behaviours are that sport, played fairly and with respect (the true spirit of sport!), help reinforce the lessons of leadership, teamwork, and health. We believe that with a full, consistent programme of support and encouragement at home, in school, and through extra-curricular activities, we can make a difference in the lives of those youngsters between 11 and 17 years, who are a major group among the 1.5 billion youth below 24 years to be found in the developing world.

Parents

We invite parents to participate in the GSF programmes in whatever way they feel works best for them. It is the youngsters who are to benefit from this needed intervention. As parents you are the first and most influential role models for your children and you will probably agree that this responsibility is perhaps the most important job you have to deliver on around the clock.

What you start at home, the GSF will help to reinforce on the playing fields, in common areas, in gyms, on courts, on tracks, or in the streets. Some of the values we emphasize include, showing respect for others, using rules to settle disputes, maintaining control of one's emotions at those critical times. There are many more social codes that form part of the mix that go together to help nurture young people's decision-making skills. When everyone in the lives of young persons sends strong, consistent messages of this sort, they are more likely to adopt them and make them part of their own life experience.

Another way to show support is to encourage your children to engage in play and organized, amateur sport that is run under the guidance of trustworthy coaches and mentors in your community. Sometimes it simply means being there to cheer them on or to help organize an event where everyone can have fun. Whenever you can join in the fun and be a voice of encouragement to the youngsters, do so.

Teachers

Teachers spend many hours during the week together with children and the GSF recognizes the value of their position. The values, life-skills, and messages promoted by the GSF are also consistent with those presented by teachers.

Coaches and Youth Programme Leaders

Coaches and youth programme leaders are strong role models for young people. The kinds of values and skills a young player learns through sport depend heavily on the coach or leader. When a coach or leader is committed to using sport to transmit positive values, (such as respect) and life skills, they can be a lifelong positive influence for young people.

The GSF has a programme guide specially developed with coaches and youth programme leaders that can be downloaded at:  www.unodc.org/pdf/youthnet/action/alternatives/coachesguide_E.DOC