97% of children reported feeling a sense of belonging when attending sport clubs supported by Access Sport

Carried out by the University of Bath and commissioned by Access Sport, Building Stronger Communities sheds light on the critical role that grassroots sport clubs can play in giving young people a sense of belonging and strengthening communities. 

Launched to evidence how our model develops stronger communities, this study emphasises the transformational impact of community sport.

Going forward, we are calling on the sport sector to reconsider community sport clubs’ ability to address societal inequalities.

Key findings:

1. Community sport challenges the traditional idea that communities are solely defined by place or locality 
2. Sense of belonging and community underpin the wider transformational benefits of sport 
   
3. Clubs provide essential opportunities for young people to have positive and safe social interactions 
   
4. Clubs have a positive impact on parents/guardians as they enable them to socially interact with one another
   
5. Sense of belonging extends beyond the boundaries of a community club.

This research emphasises that by prioritising community engagement and a sense of belonging as key benefits, clubs can maximise other wider social outcomes, including improved health, wellbeing and life prospects.

For this new research, academics from Bath University interviewed children, staff, and parents/guardians from 12 community sports clubs in Bristol, London, and Manchester. An additional survey with 400 respondents from across the UK was also completed.  

To support sport and exercise providers, we have also developed a playbook to accompany the research. This playbook informs clubs' practices and ensures a sense of belonging and community engagement are embedded in their approach as key benefits.

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”.

Helen Rowbotham, Access Sport CEO, 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.”

By embedding the recommendations from this report, we believe that the sport for development sector can collaboratively make a significant difference in underserved communities across the country.

You can learn more about the Building Stronger Communities Research by clicking on the link below.

Building Stronger Communities >





 

The University of Bath is one of the UK's leading universities for high-impact research with a reputation for excellence in education, student experience and graduate prospects. 

Research from Bath is helping to change the world for the better. Across the University’s three Faculties and School of Management, Bath's research is making an impact in society, leading to low-carbon living, positive digital futures, and improved health and wellbeing.