BALANCE IS BETTER

WHAT IS BALANCE IS BETTER?

Balance is Better is an evidence-based philosophy developed by Sport NZ to support quality sport experiences for all young people regardless of ability, needs and motivations. It’s about young people staying involved in sport for life and realising their potential at the right time, and developed along the principles of skill development for all, balancing getting better with not doing too much, and providing quality experiences regardless of ability or motivation.

We know that if kids stop having fun, they stop playing sport.  

BALANCE IS BETTER FOR FOOTBALL IN NEW ZEALAND

We’ve long been advocates of the Balance is Better philosophy. From launching the award-winning Whole of Football Plan back in 2011, to aligning with Balance is Better in 2019, we’re continually evolving how we run Junior and Youth Football to ensure all young people playing football and futsal have quality experiences no matter what level they’re involved in. 

We’re asking all our parents, whanau, coaches, managers, and volunteers involved with football and futsal to remember that young people play sport to have fun, be challenged, develop and improve, be part of a team or group, and enjoy time with friends. 

The myths of junior and youth sport

The Balance is Better philosophy centres around debunking three myths of junior and youth sport:

  • Myth 1: Early specialisation is good.
  • Myth 2: Childhood success leads to adult success.
  • Myth 3: Successful athletes focus on winning.

We know these myths specifically relate to a small number of people (players, coaches and parents) who engage in sport at a more competitive level. We’re working hard to ensure they’re well informed, and that the systems and structures in place support their ongoing development to:

  • Provide positive experiences for players of all ages and abilities. 
  • Enable players to reach senior football while being able to express themselves and execute within the New Zealand Football playing style.
  • Provide those who are striving to be professional footballers and represent the All Whites and Ford Football Ferns the development opportunities to do so.

Football is an early engagement sport

Football and futsal are considered early engagement sports. This means that, to master the sport, it’s important that players experience the game from an early age. This isn't the same as specialising in a sport early. 

Early specialisation is involvement in a chosen sport in an organised setting up to 13 years of age at the exclusion of all other sports.

We want kids to participate in other sports alongside football. This will help them develop the technical, tactical, mental and physical skills to support their football development, ensure they are less prone to injury, and keep them playing and active well into their adult life.

Research shows that playing multiple sports through childhood and early adolescence has a strong positive impact on the success people have in their chosen sport later in life.
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Click HERE for the full New Zealand Football Statement on the Balance is Better Philosophy.


What is it all about?

We’re losing young people from sport, and they are missing out of the opportunity to be physically active and reach their full potential.

Sport NZ works with the sector to provide quality experiences in sport for all, including for those who enjoy competition as well as those who just want to have fun.

The focus of the Balance is Better philosophy is on why young people play sport – to have fun, be challenged, develop and improve, be part of a team or group, and enjoy time with friends.

There are a number of adult behaviours affecting youth sport. The Balance is Better philosophy pushes back against these.

Find out more at the Balance is Better website.