The Influence of Volleyball Team Sports in Growth and Development of Early Adolescent Volleyball Players in Secondary Schools of Benin
Sylvestre Mbanza – Expert de Volleyball, Programme de Promotion et Développement des Activités Sportives (PPDAS), Ministère des Sports, Bénin
Email: smbanza@gmail.com
Kpedetin Wilfrid Dieu-Donne Agbodjogbe – Enseignant et chercheur á l’Institut National de la Jeunesse, de l’Éducation Physique et du Sport (INJEPS), Bénin
Email: agbowil2024@yahoo.com
Okry Christophe Nonvignon – Directeur des Sports et de la Formation Sportive, Ministère des Sports, Bénin
Email: nonvignon_okry@yahoo.fr
Abstract: Team sports in secondary schools are hailed to be effective channel of developing positive characters in adolescents. However, some research indicates that sports is only a waste of extra-curricular time. This article aims to explore the influence of volleyball team sports in growth and development of early adolescent volleyball players in the secondary schools of Benin. Employing a quantitative descriptive approach, the study delves into the reasons why early adolescent students join team sports and develop their characters. Stratified random sampling was used to collect the data from 263 volleyball players in 24 volleyball teams displayed in 12 departments of Benin. For data analysis a descriptive statistical method was used. The study finds out that 35.7%, media 23.6% and family members 19% are the main reasons that stimulate early adolescents to join the team sports. The study further revealed that during participation in the team sports at schools, volleyball players importantly developed characters such as team work 18.6%, decision-making 14.4%, social interactions 14.1% and confidence 13.7%. Therefore, it is concluded that participation of adolescents in the volleyball team sports at schools motivated by friends, family members, media and help to build as well as nurturing positive character of the athletes which is among the missions of education. It is therefore recommended that sports trainers should teach adolescents the proper use of media and prevent them to use any substance abuse.
