Research in this section is aimed to investigate why people – particularly in ‘hard to reach groups’ - do not participate in sport and physical activity and the ways in which public intervention can motivate behaviour change and reduce the barriers.

The Sport England research team are running a programme of qualitative research around 'understanding participation' that focuses on specific priority groups at transition stages of their lives when drop out from sport and active recreation is most likely.

Understanding participation in sport: What determines sports participation among lone parents?

Understanding participation in sport: What determines sports participation among 15-19 year old women?

Understanding participation in sport: What determines sports participation among recently retired people?


Other sports participation research

In 2008, Sport England completed three qualitative research studies. The research helped to inform Sport England's 2008-2011 strategy.

These qualitative studies looked at the following:

-What drives the quality of the sporting experience?
-What are the reasons for lapses in participation?
-How can more people be encouraged to get involved in club-based sport, specifically among some of Sport England's sport market segments?

This research, undertaken by Henley Centre Headlight Vision, involved depth interviews, focus groups, and respondent diaries and scrapbooks. Find out more.


In 2004, The University of Oxford undertook a review of existing qualitative research evidence around understanding participation in sport. To find out more, click on the link below:

Understanding Participation in sport: A systematic review


The Framework for Sport in England
The Framework for Sport, published in 2004 by Sport England, provided the strategic direction and policy priorities that united sport in its commitment to make England the most active and successful sporting nation in the world. Click here to download