Examining the role and significance of parental support on children’s uptake of sport

Previous literature has focused on participation motivation in a variety of sports, that is “why” people get into sport. Less literature has examined “how” people get into sport, that is, the key influencers; the “who” behind decisions to take up sport. This chapter argues that parents have a significant influence (positive and negative) on uptake of sport among their children, and for ensuring continued engagement thereafter. However, it would be wrong to assume that sport is valued by everyone. Indeed, this chapter shows that some children are actively deterred from participating in sport by their parents. As a result, this chapter presents evidence of how children often rely on the influence of people and networks from outside of their family—what is termed here their extended extended family—for example, significant others at school and in their community.