According to a specialist in Youth Employment of the ILO, the interpersonal skills developed through sports contribute to employability.

The interpersonal skills developed through sports are useful the world of employment and they offer an interesting perspective about youth employability, says Matthiew Cognac, specialist in Youth Employment of ILO.

According to Cognac, employers do not usually hire young people because they lack interpersonal skills rather than experience. Employers look for hard-working, punctual, well-behaved and creative people. They want people who are capable of working in teams, active, competitive, full of enthusiasm and energy.

These qualities, known as “interpersonal skills” are expected in the world of employment. But they are also common in other world, popular among young people: sports.

Taking young people to a rugby or football field can be an efficient way to improve their self confidence and to teach them new competences, says the specialist of ILO. He says, that although it will not substitute the current traditional methods of learning, it offers a great opportunity to innovative programs of youth employment

Regional Conference

This issue was discussed in the recent Youth and Sport Conference from the Pacific, which was held in Noumea, New Caledonia, last December. Other issues such as Sanity, Social Inclusion, Education and strengthening of skills through sports were also discussed.

Program “Just Play”

In relationship with sport, the ILo develops in the Pacific the program “Just Play” aimed at children between 6 and 12 years old to contribute with the priorities of development of the community in the region.

This program will be probably extended to other countries and to older children. FIFA has shown interest in this program.