Lessons Learned from a Multi-Level Intervention Program to Reduce Swedish Female Floorballers’ Dropout Rate

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to describe the development, implementation and outcomes of an intervention program designed to reduce female youth floorballers’ (13–18 years) dropout rate over a 2-year period. A strategy, based on a multi-level approach and empirically validated theories of motivation was used in developing and implementing the intervention. Various measures were implemented which may have contributed to the reduction of dropouts. These included: changes to the targeted club policy; hiring a coach responsible for youth sport; forming a youth sport committee and a youth sport group; recruiting a liaison officer who acted as a communication link between various teams, coaches, athletes and the parents; and carrying out an ongoing education program for key stakeholders (i.e., coaches, parents and athletes).