Sports Organisations and the burden of Growth

Sports organizations are at the core of the sports development problem in Nigeria. Firstly, many organizations' structures as clubs for recreation rather than intense training. Systems and facilities are not readily available, and big corporations and the government have a glaring disinterest in developing sports at the grass root. Plagued with problems peculiar to the structure and management of sports in the country, the lack of a well-developed organization is unsurprising.

Government-run clubs pose a big disservice to the growth of organizations willing to train children, albeit for a fee. It is common to be blocked by officials at different sporting bodies and barred from hosting an event. Any organization's permission to run an academy or event lies solely with the government. Again, the government needs more interest and technical know-how to run adequate training programs for children.

Education and employment of officials, coaches, and trainers are other impediments to the growth of sports. For example, how many tertiary institutions in Nigeria offer sport development and sports business-related courses? The consequence is sports associations managed by unqualified people, and deficiencies in the structure and system of training, culminating in athletes who can't compete on the international stage.

And herein lies the crux of our problem as a country, the inability to produce world-class athletes, the incapability to participate in varied sports. As a result, there is insufficiency regarding sports organizations. For however long it persists, Nigeria will not produce good athletes. Therefore, it is significant that organizations create an enabling environment for managing growth, building a solid organizational culture, balancing financial and social goals, leveraging technology for change, and building a sustainable growth model for sports organizations in Nigeria.

Growth can be a double-edged sword for sports organizations, as it brings opportunities and risks. Rapid growth can lead to losing focus on the core mission, brand dilution, and increased competition. Therefore, sports organizations must manage growth effectively. Strategic planning, clear goals, and effective communication are essential for driving growth. Sports organizations must identify their core strengths, set realistic goals, and have a clear roadmap. Additionally, the government needs to relinquish its stranglehold on sports governing bodies. Diversification is beneficial, and programs to promote organizations and participation will effectively help sports bodies.

Furthermore, a strong organizational culture is a powerful tool for managing growth and sustaining success. It helps to shape corporate values, norms, and practices that foster innovation, collaboration, and adaptability. For instance, a culture emphasizing transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior can help build stakeholder trust and increase the organization's social impact. 

As they grow, Sports organizations in Nigeria face the challenge of balancing financial goals with social goals. After all, organizations are started mainly for financial gains. Financial goals such as revenue growth, profitability, and shareholder value are crucial for sustaining the organization's operations. However, social goals such as community engagement, athlete welfare, and social impact are also essential for the organization's long-term success. It is vital to retain the critical aspects that ensure every organization's continued success and longevity. It is no secret that many Nigerian business ventures need more longevity. Balancing these goals requires careful planning, effective governance, and a commitment to social responsibility.

Technology is a powerful enabler of growth for sports organizations. New organizations can take advantage of otherwise missed opportunities by older sports businesses. By leveraging technology, organizations can improve player performance, build patronage, reinforce hope in sports, and build engagement and brand loyalty. For instance, data analytics can help coaches and trainers optimize player performance. At the same time, social media is utilized for fans' engagement and building a loyal following. However, there are potential risks and challenges associated with technology, such as the availability of technology tools to help athletes. In addition, grass root athletes and guardians do not have access to social media. Therefore, sports organizations must adopt a holistic approach to technology, balancing benefits and risks.

Managing growth is essential for sports organizations in Nigeria to achieve their objectives while also contributing to the country's broader social and economic development. By building a strong organizational culture, balancing financial and social goals, leveraging technology for growth, and building a sustainable growth model, sports organizations in Nigeria can navigate development challenges while realizing their full potential. 

Finally, the government must also provide the environment for organizations to thrive. The government needs to spur big corporations to include aid to sports development in their corporate social responsibility. The revival of sports federations and encouraging participation in other sports activities beyond Football is paramount. Championing grass root sports through the school systems, encouraging athletes with scholarships. There are many ways to jointly turn the fortunes of sports businesses and organizations in Nigeria. We, collectively as a people, need to achieve this feat.

Parents and participation in Sports

Nigeria has come a long way from parents berating children for being interested in sports. With the signings of Nigerian footballers in the premiership and other football leagues, many parents and youths are noticing that sports involvement is way more than just a pastime.

Athletes have gained more respect and recognition in Nigeria, but this has no bearing on increased participation among children. While several children have taken up an interest in one form of sports or the other, there is no visible growth in their performances. Many of these children abandon it along the way.

Although there are many reasons for the slow growth of sports in Nigeria, the parent is at the forefront. When parents begin to wholeheartedly accept their children's choice of sports as a path, we will start to notice positive changes in participation. Many parents whose children partake in sports activities do so for recreational purposes. The instant interest develops further; these children get quickly pulled back. Many people say it's because funding a career in sports can be challenging. The apparent reason is; We have yet to appreciate the true extent of the influence of sports on our children and society. 

There needs to be a more genuine interest in sports partition. Parents erroneously believe these activities do not often lead to fulfilling careers. As previously mentioned, a lack of genuine interest in the opportunities that abound in sports would lead to such conclusions. While there is inadequate government support for sports, it is erroneous to assume that participation in sports should be just for leisure.

Some parents also feel overwhelmed with a child's interest in sports as it is outside the scope of their understanding and does not conform to the realities of their life or the truths they have created. Imagine a child born into a family where members are Physicians, lawyers, bankers, and engineers. A family where academics and a set way of life are the norms, and that child decides on a basketball career! Are families equipped to deal with the choices made by their wards? Unfortunately, attempts to discourage such aspirations commence. Ultimately, the child would only play basketball for leisure and never reach his full potential. Many who have become parents themselves have some time in their life encountered parental resistance that continues to stifle dreams and hopes as it concerns sports.

We're not all ignorant of the development and popularity of sports. After all, many Nigerians are fans of clubs and athletes worldwide. So it is plausible to expect parents to understand a child's interest in sports and further encourage such claims. But sadly, many such parents are not promoting sports in any capacity beyond leisure amongst their children. It's surprising, but understanding the underlying reasons is essential. For many Nigerians who are sports enthusiasts, the love for games is fueled by various signings, record making deals that athletes boast about. So naturally, parents want their children to sign such contracts, but the belief that in Nigeria, getting to the elite level in sports is nearly impossible, so rather than try and miss, they would rather have children pick the safe choice of focusing on academics and a 9-5 job. Unquestionably, this reasoning shows no genuine interest in sports but rather an interest in the accolades that come with sports participation.

I suggest that as parents, we ought to review our opinions on sports and our views on children's participation, delve deeper into understanding sports and the future of sports, understand the positive impacts it can have in our society and the nation at large and most importantly cheer our children on. Regardless of kids' choices or paths, even when such decisions are alien from the future, we have planned, supporting our wards is sacrosanct.