Bobby Newport is a tutor in the NorthTec Sport and Recreation department and has recently completed a

Masters thesis in the area of youth sport.

Bobby's study explored the early sport and play experiences of elite New Zealand hockey players from rural and regional communities. Focusing in on how smaller communities contribute to the development of New Zealand’s top athletes, the research has a particular focus on the athletes’ early sport and play experiences and the influence of people around them during their growth and development. 

The study provided evidence for supporting the benefits of a developmental and delayed specialisation pathway to elite performance. Surrounded by a physical, social, and cultural environment that supported freedom and responsibility alongside unstructured, outdoor, risky play experiences, the participants of this study benefited from their early developmental experiences, which supported their pathways to elite level.

Please click on the following link to read the full study: "The Early Sport and Play Experiences of Elite New Zealand Hockey Player" by Robert J. Newport, Simon R. Walters et al. (nova.edu)

Athlete Centred Parents Forum

Bobby Newport will be sharing his research on the early sport and play experiences of elite athletes from rural and regional communities at an upcoming forum.

At the forum, Parents will hear about sampling verse specialisation and how they can support the youth sport experience.

Although targeted at parents, anyone interested in hearing more about Bobby's research and the experience of our youth in sport should register.

• Online - via ZOOM
• 7pm Tuesday 22nd February
• Click here to register 
• It is FREE