Summary
We were brought in to inform the Sports Council Northern Ireland of the views of different Governing Bodies on the role of the Youth Games, and to determine the relationship between the Youth Games and the Regional Development Squad programme.
Approach:
We were to investigate if the Youth Games fits within Governing Body performance pathways and assists in talent identification and development. This review was undertaken in two stages:
- Firstly, a review of available documentation on the Youth Games and governing body websites was undertaken to ascertain how the governing bodies celebrate and record the Youth Games.
- Secondly, a series of telephone interviews were undertaken with key co-ordinators for each of the sports. In preparation for this methodology, a series of questions were identified to extract the required information. These were carefully prepared in an open manner so as not to lead the interviewee.
The interviews were conducted in a two week period.
Outcomes:
A full report was presented which identified the key issues and recommendations for the future of the Northern Ireland Youth Games for the Council to consider as part of a broader review.