sports

The Social Benefits of Sport
An Overview to Inform the Community Planning Process

sportscotland Research Report no. 98

Professor Fred Coalter
Institute for Sports Research
University of Stirling

sportscotland v1, January 2005

This research report is one of a series of reports and summary digests available on sportscotland’s website: www.sportscotland.org.uk/ The research section is located at: www.sportscotland.org.uk/ChannelNavigation/Resource+Library/TopicNavigation/Research/ The report will be updated periodically as new information and data become available – updated copies will be flagged with revised dates and version numbers. Professor Coalter has also developed the Value of Sport Monitor available on: www.sportengland.org/vsm/vsm_intro.asp This monitor critically assesses research on the benefits of sport and summaries of key information are added regularly to the website where they are considered to be reliable.

sportscotland
Caledonia House
South Gyle
Edinburgh EH12 9DQ
0131 317 7200 [e-mail] ISBN 1 85060 475 4

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Contents
Page
4

Introduction

5
5
5

Background
Sport and Community Planning
Sport and the Nature of its Contribution

8
8
12
12
13

Sport, Fitness and Health
A Healthier Nation
The Social Nature of Sport
Sport and Mental Health
Conclusions

15
15
16
17
18

Sport, Young People and Education
Physical Activity, Sport and Academic Achievement
The Importance of Sport
A Step to Employment
Conclusions

19
19
19
19
21
22
23
24

Community Development
Social Capital and Active Citizenship
Sport and Social Participation
Developing Communities
Volunteering in Sport
Supporting and Encouraging Volunteers
Broadening Horizons
Conclusions

25
25
26
27
29
30
31

Youth Crime
Youth Justice Strategy
Diversionary Programmes
Integrated Development Programmes
The Importance of Sports Leadership
Which Types of Sport work Best?

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