Unpacking the sport delivery paradox through community sport development programs

Research Question: On the one hand sports organisations struggle to reach disadvantaged target groups, on the other hand many non-sports organisations use sports as a popular means to reach disadvantaged target groups and to attain social and health gains. To uncover the full potential of sports this sports delivery paradox should be resolved. The present study therefore investigates a community sports development program (CSDP) using an intersectoral capacity building approach in order to unpack this paradox. Research Methods: An explanatory mixed method design was used, including nine similar disadvantaged communities in Antwerp, Belgium. Five communities with a CSDP, four without CSDP. A sample of 414 adults filled out a questionnaire on socio-demographics, sports participation, physical activity, mental health and social capital. Additionally 52 face-to-face interviews were held with sports, health and social stakeholders of the CSDP. Results and findings: Quantitative analyses indicated that residents of CSDP-communities noted a higher percentage of sports participation and physical activity than control communities. No differences however were found for social capital and mental health. Qualitative analyses indicated that CSDPs could bridge the gap between traditional sports organisations and sports for development organisations. By connecting the capacities of the different organisations disadvantaged groups had better access to sports. Implications: The findings provide both quantitative and qualitative support for the value of CSDPS and urge the use of CSDPs for both sports as non-sports organisations to resolve the sports delivery paradox