In recent weeks a number of young adults and teenagers involved in T&T sport and a few not actively involved have spoken with me, some not for the first time, about their concerns and frustrations.
Even though this column has addressed the topic of youth and young people in T&T sport on many occasions, I am seen by the young people who spoke with me recently as having a duty, obligation and responsibility to keep talking about the issue. The youngsters seem to believe the situation isn’t getting any better and have argued it’s getting worse. Until such time as there is improvement. The discussions can’t be swept under the carpet. It has to be faced honestly and fearlessly.
The social problems facing T&T are placing the sustainable development of sport in jeopardy. There are problems in every community. Deciding which are the most critical and pressing and warranting immediate attention is proving a problem.
Addressing the relevant issues that affect young individuals in clubs and community based sport organisations must as a matter of urgency be a priority of every national sport organisation.
There are problems as varied as crime, unemployment, insufficient and in adequate infrastructure. Some sports have specific problems that are unique.
Issues surrounding the youth of the nation in general are significant.
In some communities, young people don’t see sport as important due to social realities such as crime, unemployment and teenaged pregnancy.
Positive life choices are considered few and far apart. Hopelessness and frustration are now endemic and overwhelming.
Good, decent and talented people young, old, male and female involved in sport have said they need the right leadership and guidance. They want a better future for their sport and young sportsmen and women.
They aren't suggesting that the problems can all be solved at the same time or overnight. What they are asking for is a sincere effort from those whom they have elected to lead their respective sport organisations.
Young people don't want to be a failure. No one wants to see local sport struggle or fail to fulfill the full potential that is at the very heart of sport in T&T.
Young people feel and believe that the biggest hurdle is denial. They want their elders and leaders to listen to their concerns and not deny that there are issues. Youth participation numbers appear to be in a precipitous fall. Membership in sport clubs have dropped. The retention rate in certain sports is abysmal.
This is not about the personality and ego based ‘ole’ talk and blame game or pandering to those with grudges or uninformed views or who have an axe to grind.
The priority is the youth and young people who represent the vast majority of participants. Without children, youth and young people and their retention in sports. The nursery and the life blood of sport will shrivel.
It is in this context and this context alone. I urge national sport organisations, sports leaders and sports administrators to hear the cry of young people.
If we are serious then start discussing the care and concern of the children, youth and young people who play sports or those who we would like to play sports. If we don’t reach out to the youth on issues that matter to them. We risk the collapse of sport as we know it.
Young athletes, who participate in sport, place their trust in sport leaders to look after their best interests.
We were all young once and should appreciate where the youth are coming from. They are the future of T&T sport.