SportPro: Social management and the organisation of sports professionals

Sport professionals work together with volunteers, policymakers and a wide range of organisations in and around the neighbourhood. In this project, we investigate which social competences this requires and how these collaborations can be organised in a sustainable way.

Jora Broerse

Researcher

Within sport management programmes and courses offered by sport federations, there is still limited attention for social management. How can sport clubs respond to social challenges and be supported in doing so? How can professionals work effectively with other professionals and organisations within a neighbourhood? This research strengthens the professionalisation of sport professionals, with the aim of creating a sustainable sport infrastructure in the Netherlands.

The role of sport clubs in the Netherlands is becoming increasingly complex, with growing expectations to generate social impact. This project focuses on the professionalisation of sport professionals, such as sport park managers and club support officers.

The research provides insight into the competences these professionals need and how they can best collaborate with volunteers and organisations in the physical activity and care domains. The project team translates these insights to educational institutions, sport federations and training programmes for both future and current professionals, under the principle of lifelong learning.

Objectives

• Gain insight into the current competences of sport professionals and how these contribute to the vitality of sport clubs.
• Develop a competence model for sport professionals and volunteers, aimed at sustainable club management.
• Strengthen collaboration between sport professionals, volunteers and policymakers to better support sport clubs.
• Integrate the research results into mbo and hbo programmes and into professional development trajectories of sport federations.

Method

The project team uses case studies within municipalities and sport service organisations, as well as document analysis, to explore the professional field and current curricula. We work with responsive evaluation, a method that focuses on the needs, perspectives and experiences of those involved in a project or programme. This approach is participatory and flexible, with strong attention to feedback and interaction.

In addition, we distribute questionnaires among sport clubs, municipalities and sport service organisations to test the case study results at a national level. We also organise interdisciplinary working sessions for knowledge sharing and for the development of a competence model.

Societal impact

This project strengthens sport clubs and increases their societal value. By developing and expanding the knowledge and competences of sport professionals, sport clubs can remain affordable and collaborate more effectively with local organisations.

Link with education

The project team develops new knowledge and insights about sport professionals, which mbo and hbo institutions directly integrate into their educational programmes. The project also contributes to the development of new curricula and courses for sport management and professional development within sport federations. Both students and lecturers of the AUAS play an active role in data collection and curriculum development.

Expected results and products

• Improved insight into the competences of sport professionals and their role in the vitality of sport clubs.
• A competence model that educational institutions, sport federations and municipalities can use for education development and professionalisation.
• Strengthening of a national network of sport professionals.

Project team AUAS

• Jan-Willem van der Roest
• Jora Broerse
• Joop Truijen
• Audrey Kusters

External partners

• Mulier Institute
• Utrecht University, Sport & Society, Department of Public Administration and Organisation Science
• The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Research Group Impact of Sport
• CIOS
• Municipalities: Almere, Amsterdam, Delft, The Hague, Goes, Groningen, Nieuwegein and Zwolle
• Sport federations: KNLTB, NEVOBO, Athletics Union (Atletiekunie), KNVB, KNKV, KNHB
• NOC*NSF
• Association of Sports and Municipalities
• Knowledge Centre for Sport and Physical Activity

Involved research group

This project is part of the Sport Management & Sport Business research group.