Making After-School Physical Activity Programs a Success: Practical Lessons Learned

Abstract

After-school physical activity programs for youth can develop and extend physical and mental skills necessary for health across the life span. With the considerable time and effort required to operate such programs, it is important that youth are achieving tangible goals and benefit from the programs. Unfortunately, many after-school programs lack any formal evaluation process, and it is unclear whether participants accrue benefits. Using the experiences of developing and evaluating multiyear after-school programs, we discuss variables that should be considered in the design and operation of an effective after-school program. Examples include how to market the program, what to include, how the program’s size can affect outcomes, and how to effectively assess program effectiveness. Recommendations can be applied to other sport and physical activity–based programs to the benefit of program staff and participants.Subscribe to TPE