Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between health-promoting management practices in youth sports clubs and (1) athletes’ health-related behaviors and (2) selected physiological health indicators.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 18 youth sports clubs (ages 12–18 years) were selected from Tehran. Club-level data on health-promoting management practices were collected using a validated questionnaire that assessed areas such as written health policies, coach education in health promotion, support for healthy nutrition, injury prevention routines, and promotion of regular physical activity beyond formal training.
Results: Clubs with higher health promotion management scores demonstrated significantly better athletic outcomes. Athletes in high-scoring clubs reported more days per week meeting physical activity guidelines and consuming less sugar-sweetened beverages, along with a lower prevalence of risk behaviors (e.g., smoking). Physiologically, these athletes demonstrated more favorable profiles compared to athletes from low-scoring clubs, including lower mean BMI and waist circumference, lower resting systolic blood pressure, and higher estimated cardiorespiratory fitness.
Conclusion: Health promotion management practices in youth sports clubs appear to be positively associated with healthier lifestyles and more favorable physiological profiles among young athletes. Strengthening organizational and managerial approaches to health in youth sports settings could be a practical strategy to enhance performance-related and long-term health outcomes.