Demographicallly-adjusted participation rates

Mindshare has (on behalf of Sport England) developed an updated model of demographically adjusted (or ‘expected’) participation rates.

The model results enable those developing and promoting sport locally to assess their relative levels of participation compared with what might be expected. By doing so it provides an opportunity to identify those areas delivering levels of participation above what would be expected and to learn from their experience. For those areas where participation rates are below what we might expect it challenges them to consider how they can respond.

The work builds on previous modeling work undertaken by the Sport Industry Research (results of the original modelling work remain available to view in the Participation Modelling section of the Active People Diagnostic).

Like the previous work, results are based on a regression model determining the main demographic factors that influence sport participation. It takes into account a wide range of variables outside the control of local authorities such as income, age, profession, and family structure.

So by 'expected’ participation we mean when taking into account or allowing for a broad range of socio-demographic variables, what would we expect the participation rate to be, given these demographics.

The latest model differs from the previous work in two main respects.

First, the definition of sport participation used is: 'National Indicator 8: The percentage of the adult (age 16 and over) population in a local area who participate in sport and active recreation, at moderate intensity, for at least 30 minutes on at least 12 days out of the last 4 weeks (equivalent to 30 minutes on 3 or more days a week). The previous model was based on the KPI1 definition of participation.

Second, the updated model includes results for Active People Survey 1 and also a combined result for Active People Surveys 2 & 3 allowing comparison of results over time.

Model results

Model results are presented in the form of a table. The table presents the expected sport participation rates in local authorities compared to the actual participation rates (as measured in the Active People Survey).

Download expected v actual model results

A fuller explanation of the modeling undertaken can be found in section 3 of the full technical report.

This modeling work forms part of a wider Sport England research project seeking to better understand local variations in sports participation

Share, bookmark and save Sport England articles and features. What's this?

Email a friend this page

*Required fields

Expand Sport England at a glance...