Why do some people, particularly in harder to reach groups, not
take part in sport and physical activity? And what public
interventions successfully manage to change behaviours and reduce
barriers?
The Sport England research team ran a programme of
qualitative research around 'understanding participation' that
focused on specific groups at transition stages of their lives when
drop out from sport and active recreation is most likely. Full and
summary reports of this research which included studies among
recently retired people, lone parents and 15-19 year old women, are
available in the documents listed at the bottom of this page.
In addition, between January and May 2008, Sport England
commissioned Henley Centre
Headlight Vision (HCHLV) to undertake three qualitative
research projects investigating:
The quality of the sporting experience
What aspects of sport are important to participants, what
defines a good and bad sporting experience, what are the key
drivers to a great sporting experience, and what is understood by
‘reaching potential’ in their sport?
Download the
quality of sporting experience report
This qualitative study informed the development of Sport
England's 'Satisfaction with the quality of the sporting
experience' survey (SQSE). Find out more about the sport satisfaction survey.
Lapsed participants
What are the reasons for the drop-off in sports
participation - why do people stop doing sport at certain points in
their lives, and what might prevent them from lapsing? Download
report.
Download the
lapsed participants report
Understanding participation in club based sport
What are the perceptions and appeal of taking
part in organised sport - the triggers and barriers to club sport
and sustained participation, and the responses to key communication
and intervention ideas?
This research was conducted among particular
segments from Sport England’s market segmentation. Lifestyles
within these segments were explored within the context of organised
sport. Questions were also investigated around the perceived and
actual barriers for people to ‘join a club’.
Download the
understanding participation report