Adidas Champions the Power of Encouragement With New Campaign Backing Youth Athletes in Sport

Building on the success of the 2024 'You Got This' launch, the 2025 campaign highlights the power of encouragement, revealing that four in five athletes face unhelpful sideline behavior, which can lead them to leave sports. Rooted in the universal truth that every athlete needs someone in their corner, the campaign highlights how a strong support system can be the difference between success and self-doubt, says adidas.

South Africa is known as a sporting nation, where sports have the power to change lives. In this episode, adidas goes back to where it all begins — school sports — and shines a light on the often-overlooked champions of youth sport: the parents, guardians, coaches and supporters who help make them believe, 'You Got This', adds the brand.

School sports are more than just a game — they're a training ground for life, teaching teamwork, discipline, and the resilience to rise after every fall. The evidence is clear: sport helps kids succeed both in the classroom and beyond. But with mounting pressures on young athletes from all sides, the pure joy of play is increasingly under threat, says the brand.

Research studies reveal just how widespread the issue is:

• 91% of children have experienced some level of stress by sporting expectations, and
• Over 60% say they've considered quitting because of that pressure.

The dropout rate spikes between the ages 13 to 15, often due to emotional burnout and demands, and not due to injury. Support and encouragement from parents are key reason why children persevere, adds the brand.

adidas addresses this motion head-on, reminding parents and communities that support can heal what pressure unravels. At the heart of the campaign is a moving brand film, echoing the everyday encouragements that mean the most:

"Go for it," "Have fun," "I'll be watching."

These aren't just words — they're emotional fuel for children on the field. The soundtrack to early mornings, packed lunches, long drives and unwavering love. A celebration of the supporters who show up, time and time again, rain or shine, to make all the difference, says adidas.

When presence is valued over performance, young athletes are more likely to stay engaged in sport and build healthy lifelong habits. This initiative is part of adidas ongoing commitment to nurturing youth potential through sport — especially in South African schools, where barriers to play continue to rise, adds the brand.

Let's protect the joy of play — not just for today, but for every match, every practice and every moment still to come. By standing behind our young athletes with love, patience, and presence, we give them the greatest gift of all: the freedom to fall, rise, and grow without fear, says the brand.

To every supporter on the sideline: your cheers matter more than the scoreboard, adds the brand.

'You Got This' is more than an adidas global campaign; it's a tribute to the people who make every win possible. adidas aims to spark a global movement of positivity, reminding every athlete that belief starts from the sidelines, concludes the brand.

For more information, visit www.adidas.com. You can also follow adidas on Facebook or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor