Access Sport Launches new ‘Building Stronger Communities’ research
A new study from Access Sport, carried out by the University of Bath, sheds light on the critical role that grassroots sport clubs can play in giving young people a sense of belonging and strengthening communities.
The report emphasises that by prioritising these factors, clubs can maximise other social outcomes, including improved health, wellbeing and life prospects.
Nearly all children who participated reported feeling a sense of belonging (97%) and emotional connection (95%) when they attended grassroots sports clubs supported by Access Sport.
The study also highlighted that:
- Community sport challenges the traditional idea that communities are solely defined by place or locality.
- Sense of belonging and community underpin the wider transformational benefits of sport.
- Clubs provide essential opportunities for young people to have positive and safe social interactions.
- Clubs have a positive impact on parents/guardians as they enable them to socially interact with one another.
- Sense of belonging extends beyond the boundaries of a community club.
By embedding these findings in their ongoing work, Access Sport believes community sport providers, can collectively make a positive difference in communities across the country.
Dr Haydn Morgan, lead researcher, said:
“It is well documented that children are experiencing a wide range of issues concerning social isolation, which is having a direct impact on their mental health. This was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, so it’s more important than ever for all young people to build connections with their local communities. Having access to community sports clubs, that can provide essential opportunities for young people to have positive and safe social interactions; address feelings of social isolation; and foster a sense of belonging and community, is something that our research highlights as being critical in many young people’s lives”.
Access Sport CEO, Helen Rowbotham, said:
“For too long a sense of belonging and community engagement have been undervalued benefits in sport. However, as set out in our Manifesto for Change, these outcomes underpin the wider transformational benefits of sport and need to be prioritised. This research showcases something we’ve always been aware of here at Access Sport – inclusive community sport is the ultimate tool in tackling societal inequalities and strengthening underserved communities.”
Children, staff, and parents/guardians from 12 community sports clubs in Bristol, London, and Manchester were interviewed for the project. An additional survey with 400 respondents from across the UK was also completed.
Access Sport has developed a ‘Building Stronger Communities Playbook’ for sport and exercise providers to inform their practices and ensure a sense of belonging and community engagement are embedded in their approach as key benefits. You can download this and the full research report on the Access Sport website.
Photo credit: British Blind Sport
