Team Building Using a Challenge Ropes Course Experience in Youth Sport
This study examined the efficacy of a challenge ropes course team building (TB) intervention for increasing group cohesion in a youth sport team using a mixed methods approach. Athletes n 10, M age 12.3) and coaches from a competitive female U14 ringette team participated in a one day challenge ropes course experience approximately one month into the season. Questionnaires were completed to assess group cohesion pre and post intervention. Interviews were also conducted to further explore the efficacy of the intervention on the group's dynamics. Results revealed that task cohesion significantly increased post intervention. Additional benefits were also illuminated through interviews including increased trust, teamwork, communication/interaction, camaraderie, and team development. The findings support the use of a TB intervention using a challenge ropes course experience for a youth sport team.