Parents’ sports-related behaviors, self-concept of ability, interest and organized after-school sports activities participation among Chinese elementary school children

These findings underscore the crucial role parents play in their children's participation in organized after-school sports activities. The study implies that initiatives should be taken to guide parents to perform positive family-supportive behaviors, such as offering encouragement, participating in co-activities, providing activity-related materials, and acting as role models. These behaviors can not only directly contribute to children's participation in after-school sports activities but also indirectly influence it by enhancing children's self-concept of sports ability and cultivating their interest in sports activities.