Developing Sport Psychology in a girls’ sport academy curriculum

Abstract

This article explores the initial steps in developing and presenting Sport Psychology in a leadership and sport curriculum at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Centre for Human Performance Sciences’ (CHPS) Academy for Girls’ Leadership and Sport Development. Sport Psychology does not feature within the South African school curriculum specifically, yet the CHPS  recognises the importance of exposing girls to the principles and skills of Sport Psychology and has a leadership curriculum for girls participating in sport to this end. This paper reports on a qualitative and exploratory reflective inquiry by the author who presented this theme. What was gained during this process, as well as the associated challenges encountered, suggest possible areas for research as well as changes and adjustments which could be made in similar Sport Psychology curricula.

Keywords: adolescent girls; curriculum; Life Orientation; life skills; sport; sport academy; sport psychology