The Impact of Youth Sports Programmes on Social Cohesion and National Identity: A Study of Sports Groups in Tertiary Educational Institutions in Bayelsa State

Abstract

The study examined the impact of youth sports programs on social cohesion and national identity in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Three research questions guided the study. The population comprised all undergraduates in the 12 sports clubs existing in the 7 tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. All 109 athletes’ undergraduates from 3 institutions formed the sample. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire tagged as the “Impact of Youth Sports Programs on Social Cohesion and National Identity Questionnaire” developed by the researchers and validated by experts. The reliability analysis was done using the Cronbach Alpha Formula, which yielded a value of 0.79. The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation. Findings reveal that participation in sports groups significantly enhances participants' sense of belonging, increases interaction with diverse peers, fosters collaboration, improves communication skills, and raises awareness of the importance of teamwork. These outcomes highlight the pivotal role of sports groups in promoting inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and a stronger national identity among Nigerian youth. Recommendations include enhancing program accessibility, integrating cultural exchange initiatives, and embedding educational values within sports activities to further strengthen these positive impacts.