Season Design initiative aims to transform sporting landscape

The newly implemented Season Design initiative is poised to reimagine youth sport in the Bay of Plenty region by fostering unprecedented collaboration between key stakeholders who help to shape the sporting landscape across our region.

With the confirmation of a formal agreement among Sport Bay of Plenty, regional sports organisations and local councils, we aim to deliver a more organised, supportive, and engaging environment for young athletes, ensuring a brighter future for sports in the region.

Why Season Design?

Launched in February 2020, the Season Design initiative incorporates Sport New Zealand’s Balance is Better philosophy, emphasising a balanced approach to youth sports that prioritises quality opportunities and experiences.

The need for Season Design became apparent from data indicating declining Rangatahi (youth) participation, increasing injuries and burnout. Additionally, concerns over volunteer retention, quality fields, and the overlapping of sports seasons - leading to frustration among parents, coaches, and administrators - highlighted the necessity for reform.

Key benefits of Season Design

The Season Design initiative is set to deliver several key outcomes:

• Increased retention - By creating well-structured seasons, Season Design aims to enhance youth participation and reduce dropout rates in sports.
• Volunteer growth - Improved scheduling is expected to alleviate volunteer burnout and encourage greater participation and retention among volunteers.
• Enhanced facilities - A more organised approach will lead to better quality fields and venues, improving the overall sporting experience.
• Reduced injuries - With better season planning, the incidence of injuries among youth participants is anticipated to decrease.
• Multi-sport participation - The initiative will facilitate opportunities for young athletes to engage in multiple sports, enriching their experiences and skill sets.
• Improved collaboration - Season Design promotes better coordination between RSOs and councils, leading to more effective management and support of youth sports.

Regions such as Canterbury, Hawkes Bay and Wellington have already adopted the Season Design approach, showcasing its effectiveness in improving youth sports dynamics.

Voices on the ground

“This initiative is about ensuring that we keep young people engaged in sport for life,” says Sport Bay of Plenty Sport Development and Coaching Team Leader, Jarvy Aoake.

“It’s focused on enjoyment, friendship, and developing a broad range of skills while addressing the social aspects of sports participation.

“Sports organisations view the Season Design approach as a valuable opportunity to enhance the wellbeing of Rangatahi, aligning with what is truly in their best interests.”

Who’s involved?

The initiative currently involves Sport Bay of Plenty, 13 RSOs, and three Bay of Plenty councils. Key stakeholders include RSO staff, council facility managers, coaches, players, and whānau. These groups will be instrumental in supporting and advancing the Season Design kaupapa, which focuses on improving youth sports participation and experiences through a balanced approach.

How will it work?

The success of the Season Design initiative relies on collaborative efforts among all stakeholders. Adapting to the current climate and making necessary adjustments are key to achieving positive outcomes and transforming the youth sports landscape in the Bay of Plenty.

As the Season Design initiative advances, it aims to create a more structured, supportive, and engaging atmosphere for young athletes to have the opportunity to play sport, paving the way for a brighter, more active future.