A serious look at fun: What does ‘fun’ in youth sport really mean?
Research in New Zealand and around the world shows that young people play sport to have fun. But when it comes to knowing what fun is, what it looks like,...
Let’s work together
It’s no secret we’re a fan of collaboration. In fact, one of the key principles of Balance is Better is about “Working together” We’ve previously outlined in detail what it...
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Yeah! Girls cricket programme shows Balance is Better in action
A popular cricket programme is reviving the sport and providing quality experiences for young females. A programme designed, delivered and enjoyed by young women and girls has helped breathe new...
COVID-19 and youth sport in New Zealand
The COVID-19 pandemic has widely and dramatically impacted all parts of society. As we continue to digest the shock that this pandemic is having on sport in New Zealand, it’s...
Working with parents – three key considerations for sport leaders and administrators
There is no play book for being a parent or caregiver. Especially when it comes to youth sport. However, sharing good information between sports, coaches, and parents/caregivers can help everyone make sport a positive experience for young people. In...
A Guide to Running Good Trials and Selection Processes
We know that trials and selection processes in youth sport can be a hot topic for many sports administrators, coaches, parents and athletes. And despite trials and selection processes being...
Letters from Rangatahi: Olympic muses and musings (and some thoughts for adults)
In this open letter, we hear from Ciccone Hakaraia-Turner, Netball New Zealand Youth Board representative and Year 13 Wharekura student at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae. Ciccone shares with the reader her reflections on the Tokyo Olympics, on various...
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How to Raise a Champion
In this article, Mike Peacock discusses the importance of developing the person and shares some video from a recent Sport Canterbury event. What is a champion? In sport, it seems...
Case Study: Lisa Carrington
In this Balance is Better case study, Lisa Carrington discusses her journey surf life-saving to kayaking and the value of failure along the way. “There are no secrets to success,...