A RE-AIM evaluation of the 1616 sport-based positive youth development program

• Published in: Journal of sport for development Vol. 13; no. 1
• Main Authors: McGuire, Cailie S, Kelsey Saizew, Benson, Alex J, Côté, Jean, Erickson, Karl, Maw, Alex, Murata, Alex, Profeit, Mitch C, Wolff, Meredith, Ladd, Brandy, Martin, Luc J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Journal of Sport for Development 01.01.2025
• Subjects: Ice hockey; Pragmatism; Professional hockey; Role models; North America
• ISSN: 2330-0574; 2330-0574

This study used the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the full-scale implementation of a sport-based positive youth development (PYD) program—the 1616 Program. The 16-week program was delivered to 88 ice hockey teams from North America who were introduced to PYD principles via storytelling by professional ice hockey players. Quantitative (retrospective pretest-posttest questionnaires [RPP]) and qualitative (e.g., focus groups) methods were used to collect outcome and process data, which were subsequently mapped onto each RE-AIM dimension. Reach – In total, over 1400 youth were registered in the program (participants were primarily boys who self-identified as White). Effectiveness – Although few significant pretest-posttest changes were observed, within-program RPP evaluations completed by a subsample of participants (n = 111) demonstrated significant changes in multiple dimensions of competence, confidence, and connection. Adoption – Whereas the majority of participants watched the program videos and completed the reflection activities, a 78% attrition rate for questionnaire completion was observed from pretest (n = 727) to posttest (n = 161). Implementation – Participants described having fun throughout the program and thought the content was relatable to their lives. Maintenance – Facilitators of program participation included the online delivery, while the length of the athlete surveys served as a barrier. This evaluation will inform future iterations and we put forth recommendations for similar program evaluation initiatives.