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What is the background to the project?

  • Sport has been identified as one of the seven best investments for promoting physical activity and in many countries worldwide, half of children participate in organised sport.
  • However there is a socioeconomic gap in physical activity among children, where children from high income households are more likely to participate in sport compared with children from low or middle income households.
  • From our recent research on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on sport and physical activity for children, we found that families are struggling to cover the costs of sport and physical activity.
  • Many parents discussed how sports clubs are also under pressure and operating in financially challenging times.
  • To ensure that all children have an opportunity to participate in sport, there is a need for us to find out how sports clubs support low-income families and/or families that are struggling financially and to share these results and examples of good practice with sports clubs.

What is the aim of the study?

The overall aim of this study is to understand how community sports clubs support low-income and/or families struggling financially to enable children to participate in organised sport.

How can I get involved?

This study is due to launch in June 2025.  It is an all-island study and we will be asking for those involved in the management/leadership of a community sports club/organisation that provides activities for children aged <18 years to complete an online survey.

You will be able to participate if you hold a position of management/leadership in a community sports club/organisation. For example:

  • Chairperson / President / Director
  • Vice/Assistant Chairperson / President / Director
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Club Manager / Supervisor
  • Committee / Board / Executive Member
  • Youth Representative / Underage Officer
  • Fundraising Officer

If you would like to take part in this research you can complete the survey.