School-Based After-School Physical Activity and Sports Programs

Given the importance of physical activity (PA) to students’ health, well-being, and educational outcomes, schools have developed multiple component PA opportunities that extend beyond traditional offerings in physical education (PE). This innovative “whole of school” approach involves before, during, and after school programming. This chapter explores school-based after-school PA and sport programs targeting children and youth. Initially, this chapter introduces the “whole of school” philosophy and initiatives prevalent globally. Subsequently, this chapter provides examples of after-school PA programs, associated theories, and research related to the efficacy of those programs to meet PA goals and benefit students. Specific findings include that leadership support as well as staff knowledge and support/training are critical components for successful after-school PA programs. Successful programs also include collaborative efforts across staff, parents/guardians, and communities. Further, successful after-school PA and sport programming include both structured and unstructured activities; however, these activities need to reflect the goals and resources of the local community. Well-designed and supported after-school PA programs can provide positive outcomes (e.g., physiologically, cognitive, and social) for children and youth; however, additional work is needed to better understand the influence of context, structure, and youth development on program success.