Abstract

Sport involvement by youths is generally seen as positive for the youth development. Nevertheless, group norms, competition pressures and winning can lead to the adoption of anti-social and risk behaviours. A lack of enjoyment in sport is associated with burnout and dropout and consequently with lower levels of physical activity. We : a) observed the effect of sport involvement in youth soccer players during a season; b) observed the age effects in the developmental assets, attitudes and enjoyment in youth sport; c) explored the correlation between enjoyment, sport attitudes and developmental assets. This study comprised 135 male players aged 12–18 years (M=15, SD=2). A multilevel analysis and Pearson correlation was performed. The magnitude of the changes during a season were modest. There were negative effects of a season involvement in soccer program, with increased cheating and reductions in commitment and some developmental assets. The negative attitudes are correlated with other-referenced sources and positive values. The findings suggest that a proper environment and postive role models can foster the maintenance in sport and a positive development.