ACTIVE LIVES, HAPPY HEARTS: EXTRACURRICULAR SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPACTING THE LEISURE LIFESTYLES OF WELSH SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Youth cultures and lifestyles are reflected in the transition from childhood to adulthood. They are part of an ‘idioculture’ that represents beliefs, values, symbols and activities that young people share by engaging in cultural practices such as music, dance, fashion and ‘hanging about’. In contemporary western societies, young people’s lifestyles and behaviours are often centred around the opportunity to assert independence, relationships, instability of interests, playing computer games, watching TV and the opportunity to be physically active. Sport and physical activity are amongst the popular sites of expression for young people in their leisure time, and are perceived as important for establishing social and moral skills for young people and promoting personal and social responsibility