Impact sport projects promoting social cohesion on development of clubs
Project
Research by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research shows that social cohesion in the Netherlands is under pressure. Differences between people are growing. Sport can help, because sport brings people together. However, it is unclear what impact sport projects have on the development of sport clubs. Commissioned by the National Sport Fund, the project team is investigating this effect.
Sport helps people feel more connected, both on and off the pitch. In this study, we examine how sport projects aimed at social cohesion influence the development of the clubs themselves.
Guus Heijnen
Researcher
Objective
A number of sport clubs organised sport projects to promote social cohesion among participants. For example, the ZVL 1886 water polo club organised the Summer Water Polo Weeks, and the WVV Wageningen football club set up a team for asylum seekers. They did this with financial support from the National Sport Fund. This study examines the extent to which these sport projects also have positive effects on the development of sport clubs.
Method
Researchers will conduct desk research to define social cohesion. They will then carry out semi-structured interviews with the chairpersons, coaches and project leaders responsible for organising the sport projects.
Expected results
The research will result in a research report containing findings, conclusions and lessons learnt. The project team will publish this report and the accompanying presentation in collaboration with the National Sport Fund.
Societal impact
Organisations and clubs will gain insight into the benefits of sports projects for their own development. This will lower the threshold for launching new sports projects that strengthen social cohesion.
Contribution to education and research
Researchers will develop new knowledge about the positive side effects of sport projects. Sport management programmes will incorporate these insights into their teaching. In this way, students will learn that sport projects are valuable for participants and other stakeholders alike.
Project team AUAS
- Guus Heijnen
- Sven Roest
- Martin Breedijk
Grand provider
- National Sport Fund
Sport Management & Sport Business research group
This project is part of the Sport Management & Sport Business research group. Want to know more?