"We know youth sport in Aotearoa / New Zealand and internationally is being impacted by decreasing participation trends. There is mounting evidence pointing to a variety of reasons why this is. Importantly, youth voice tells us that adults have historically been poor at designing and delivering sport opportunities that meet the variety of needs all young people. The final whistle is often blown by adults before the teams are even organised. And while sport is beginning to ask and listen to young people more, how many sport leaders can truly say young people are with them at the table making decisions (that ultimately will impact them and their peers)? How can authentic youth voice and leadership opportunities stop the leaky holes at the bottom of the boat that contribute to the downhill decline in participation in youth sport? Is it about increasing the number of participants paddling the boat, preventing the boat from sinking with the current participants or increasing the number and variety of boats on offer?

Hear from and celebrate with Rangatahi from Netball New Zealand Youth Board, England Netball Youth Board and Volleyball New Zealand, as we discuss our journeys within, and the community impact from, respective youth empowerment initiatives. Learn how to genuinely connect with us young people. Leave thinking about what a genuine co-approach to youth engagement in your organisation might look like – how do you hear our (young people’s) voice? How do you connect us (young people) to decisions, actions and reflection? This presentation is co-designed by Rangatahi for all leaders in youth sport."