Beyond the physical

This research aimed to identify common factors to athletics programmes that are successful in engaging and delivering positive social impact, beyond athletics competence, to children and young people who are at higher risk of experiencing poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination.

The challenge

Sport has long been heralded as a tool for social change, one that can transform the lives of those who participate in it. Alongside the development of fundamental movement skills, physical health and enhanced mental wellbeing, sport can also lead to other positive outcomes for young people – social inclusion, challenging stereotypes, cultural cohesion, education, and the development of essential life skills. However, for many young people their involvement in sport can be affected by a range of societal and structural barriers that operate to influence access and opportunities. This research aimed to identify those factors that are employed to not only successfully engage young people in athletics programmes, but also to deliver positive social impact beyond athletics competence to those at higher risk of experiencing poverty, social exclusion and discrimination.

The approach

The research was undertaken in three phases. Phase one involved a review of existing materials of good practice collected by Personal Best Foundation supported by a desktop search of additional programmes. This led to the creation of an audit tool to capture key information consistently and systematically on a range of athletics programmes.

Phase two sought to identify the key programme mechanisms underpinning sport programmes that pursue social outcomes and was guided by a rapid realist review of existing literature. This second phase helped to construct an emerging evidence-based Theory of Change that was further drawn upon to inform the design of key research tools, used in the generation of data in phase three.

Phase three involved the creation of qualitative in-depth case studies based on seven organisations. Each organisation was visited for an observation of the delivery of a session, and semi-structured interviews with key delivery and/or management staff. Where available, focus group or individual interviews were also conducted with young people to triangulate responses from adult stakeholders. These phases were integral to the development of a Personal Best Foundation Theory of Change model.

The impact

The key findings from this research have been incorporated into the design of a bespoke Theory of Change framework for Personal Best Foundation. This will be used to guide the Foundation’s future plans as it continues to grow and deliver transformative outcomes for disadvantaged young people through athletics.