Impact of After-School Soccer: Students' Perceptions of School Climate

Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Exhibit Hall Poster Area 2 (Convention Center)
Larry P. Nelson, The University of Texas–Arlington, Arlington, TX

Background/Purpose

Involvement in students' lives after school has been known to be an effective way to increase student attendance, boost school morale, and improve students' perceptions about their school experience. This study examined the impact of a long-awaited after school soccer program into a largely Hispanic high-risk urban junior high school.

Method

Participants in the study (N=53) were students participating in the soccer program for two semesters. Data originated from a survey based on adult support, school effectiveness, peer- influence, and social skills. Factor analysis yielded five scale constructs (Optimism, School Climate, Personal Responsibility, Social Support, and Self-Efficacy).

Analysis/Results

A mixed model repeated measures analysis was used for this study. A three factor ANCOVA (gender x ethnicity x time) was applied to the design to increase the ratio of variance explained by the five scale constructs. Findings showed significant (p<.001) positive changes in students' perceptions across all five constructs as well as improved attendance rates up 5.9%. Reasons given by students for the positive changes included statements like “If we get into trouble or miss class, the consequence would be we wouldn't get to play on the soccer team, so its motivation for us to go to class and get good grades” and “It's a good thing coach comes out and supports us. Coach is a good role model and keeps us away from drugs and the bad stuff”.

Conclusions

Relevant community-based after-school programs can play a major role in student success as school.