Background/Purpose Urban, minority, low SES, female and non-athletic youth are highly vulnerable to physical inactivity due partly to scarce opportunities and resources. Some support comprehensive school-based interventions that include engaging after-school components to increase youth PA, yet little is known about whether/why vulnerable urban youth would voluntarily participate. Using social cognitive theory, this study examined urban high school students' rationale for attending after-school physical activity clubs (PACs).
Method Physical Activity Clubs (PACs) were established in 14 inner-city high schools over two years. Adult leaders held 938 sessions (averaging 16.5 students) targeting inactive youth with non-sport activities. 278 student interviews and 115 field observations were conducted. Data were analyzed using constant comparison and analytic induction, and trustworthiness strategies included, prolonged engagement, member checking, and triangulation.
Analysis/Results Youth identified four reasons for attending PACs, including: social affiliation (to be part of something, relationships with adult leaders, make new friends, socialize with existing friends in positive places); health and performance (get healthy, avoid sedentary behaviors, personal challenge, improve performance in other activities); fun (student-centered, non-competitive, culturally-relevant activities); and avoid negative influences (unsupervised time, deviant alternatives, family and friend drama).
Conclusions Despite barriers unique to urban environments, findings suggest that PACs can effectively engage youth traditionally vulnerable to inactivity through after-school alternatives. Guided by social cognitive theory, students' reasons for participating in PACs were complex and multi-faceted. The sustainability and potential health and social impact of urban PACs will largely hinge on understanding and capitalizing on youth motivation.