Caitlyn Lyons, senior sport management student, will showcase her research at this year’s Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, targeting the West Virginia Higher Education community and those in state government. Lyons, a Sparta, N.J., native, will present her study, Camp FeWI: Addressing the decline in female youth sport participation.
Lyons explains the importance of youth sport. “Being able to take part in this event means a lot. Every child deserves access to playing the sport they choose, yet across the country we are seeing a rapid decline in youth sport participation for various reasons.”
According to Lyons, research has shown that adolescence is a critical time for individuals to develop healthy lifestyle behaviors and habits. Involvement in sport at an early age can lead to immense benefits, such as confidence development, leadership skills, positive self-concepts and a sense of connection to their schools and communities. Despite these benefits, there has been a significant decline in female youth sport participation.
Each year, students attending colleges and universities in the state of West Virginia share pivotal data regarding research methods and the importance of undergraduate scholarly activities. The Sixteenth Annual Undergraduate Research Day, February 7, 2020, will focus on the importance of specific financial needs for higher education to members of the West Virginia State Legislature.
Lyons says it’s important to attend the event at the Capitol and share her research with decision-makers who are responsible for providing substantial funding for higher education. “We are bringing these issues to light and finding ways to engage youth in sport as well as providing access to sport,” she added.
Lyons’ Camp FeWi program will match general participants with mentors in a six-week study with female members of the urban Pittsburgh community. They will then be exposed to non-traditional sports such as golf, tennis and lacrosse.
The study will engage general participants, youth mentors and coaches in semi-structured focus groups and surveys to understand and address the basic reasons for female youth sport participation. She began her research in May 2019 and continues to discover future applications for the study.
“No matter my future career, I hope to continue to find ways to engage youth in sport, as they learn fundamental life skills through play and healthy lifestyle habits. This event gives those in state government a clear understanding of the programs they fund and why these programs are essential,” Lyons said.
Undergraduate Research Day will be held at the West Virginia State Capitol Rotunda from 8 to 11:30 a.m.