Findings from the Report: A Sense of Belonging
The research was conducted by the University of Bath in collaboration with the Department for Health and commissioned by Access Sport. It involved 12 grassroots sports clubs in Bristol, Manchester, and London. The study surveyed 270 children, revealing that 74% of them felt a strong sense of belonging to their clubs. Additionally, 68% felt an emotional connection. These findings underscore the vital role that local sports clubs play in children’s lives, especially in fostering social bonds and emotional well-being.
Positive Gangs and Community Hubs
Dr Haydn Morgan, who led the research, emphasised the importance of community sports clubs in providing children with opportunities for positive and safe social interactions. He highlighted that many children face social isolation, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, sports clubs can be crucial in addressing this issue by offering a supportive environment where children can build connections.
Dr Morgan described sports clubs as ‘positive gangs’ that help children develop their identities and steer them away from antisocial behaviour. Access Sport echoed this sentiment, pointing out that community sports have been undervalued in their ability to transform lives and strengthen communities. The report suggests that the benefits of sports clubs extend beyond physical health to include educational attainment and reduced social isolation.
Helen Rowbotham, CEO of Access Sport, emphasised that the sense of belonging and community engagement are fundamental benefits of sports participation. She called for a reevaluation of the role of community sports clubs in tackling societal inequalities and enhancing community cohesion.
Spond: Saving Time and Stress for Coaches and Admins
To maximise the benefits of local sports clubs, Spond sports club management software is a vital tool for coaches and administrators. Managing a local sports club involves significant time and effort. This often comes from volunteers who juggle these responsibilities with other commitments. Spond streamlines communication, scheduling, and administration, making it easier for clubs and teams to function smoothly.
Spond allows coaches to send messages, schedule events, and track attendance, all in one place. This reduces the administrative burden and frees up time for coaches to focus on what they do best. Volunteer time is best spent coaching and mentoring young people. By simplifying these tasks, Spond helps to alleviate the stress that often comes with managing a sports club. This ensures that valuable volunteer resources are used efficiently.
Building ‘Positive Gangs’ through Local Sports Clubs
The University of Bath’s report illuminates the critical role that grassroots sports clubs play in strengthening communities. These clubs act as ‘positive gangs’, offering young people a supportive environment where they can build connections and develop their identities. Recognising the transformational impact of local sports clubs, tools like the Spond app become essential. They support dedicated coaches and administrators by saving time and reducing stress. Spond helps ensure that the focus remains on the children and the communities these clubs serve.
