Conference Agenda
Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).
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Daily Overview |
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GR2_2_1: Symposium: Examining the Role of Sports and Recreation for Mental Wellbeing in Disadvantaged Groups Location: Glass room 2 Session Chair: Evan Matthews | |
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Examining the Role of Sports and Recreation for Mental Wellbeing in Disadvantaged Groups Background and Aim Physical activity and by extension sport and recreation are increasingly recognised for their contribution to the wellbeing and inclusion of populations. In particular, sport and recreation appear to be powerful resources for enhancing mental health among disadvantaged and hard‑to‑reach groups. However, the multidimensional benefits of structured sport in these contexts are nuanced and often dependent on social, cultural, and environmental factors. Consequently, there is a need to bring together and collectively examine research from key European projects that respectively examine the value of sport and recreation and constituent components in the context of supporting mental wellbeing among disadvantaged populations. This symposium brings together four complementary projects from the HEPA Working Group on Socially Disadvantaged Groups, addressing this need as an aim. Contributions Summary Presentation 1 reports findings from a mixed‑methods survey conducted in Northern Ireland, exploring the relationship between sport and recreation participation, the role of nature connectedness, overall activity levels and wellbeing. It additionally identifies key barriers to engagement, including those disproportionately experienced by disadvantaged groups. Presentation 2 provides evidence from an international systematic review and group interviews examining how sport coaches and coaching approaches influence the mental wellbeing of young people with cross-sectoral implications. Building on the role of coaches, Presentation 3 presents outcome data from a European project, 'Progression Pathways in Social Sports', focused on training social sports coaches to reach and empower individuals from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. This work highlights the value of a European Learning Community dedicated to advancing social sports practice. Presentation 4 uses qualitative research to explore the perceived role of sports clubs and sports provision in reducing substance use and crime, two interrelated determinants of mental wellbeing in a high‑density urban area of Ireland. Added Value This symposia gives added value by integrating new empirical data, cross‑national perspectives, and interdisciplinary approaches to examine how sport and recreation contribute to mental wellbeing among disadvantaged populations. Conclusion and Key Take-Home Messages Together, these presented projects provide a multifaceted understanding for how sport and recreation may be leveraged to enhance mental wellbeing and address broader social inequalities and access among disadvantaged groups Presentations of the Symposium Outdoor sport for wellbeing: Exploring the role of nature connectedness, individual differences, and access to natural environments Purpose: Globally, low levels of physical activity continue to be a concern for public health. In contrast, outdoor sport and physical activity participation in Northern Ireland has experienced growth. In an aim to better understand and support physical health and wellbeing through outdoor physical activity, this study explores the relationship between outdoor sport participation and wellbeing. Methods: Across four years, an annual, mixed-methods survey was administered online to sport club members aged 18+ years (N = 1556). The survey assessed demographic details, outdoor sport type, participation time, reasons for participation, access to outdoor sport, nature connection, and wellbeing. Data were analysed using SPSS and content analysis. Results: Individuals who participated in outdoor sport and physical activity were found to be more likely to attain higher levels of physical activity than the general population in Northern Ireland. Nature connectedness was significantly higher in females than males. Participating in outdoor sport for mental wellbeing was particularly important for those with a disability and those with dependent children. However, approximately 40% of participants experienced an issue when accessing the natural environment, the most frequently cited reason was being refused access. Conclusion: Promoting outdoor sport and physical activity in natural environments offers public health benefits, particularly regarding physical health and mental wellbeing. However, to facilitate such benefits for all, including those from disadvantaged groups, consideration of individual differences, types of activity, and access is required. Funding: Commissioned by Sport Northern Ireland and Tollymore National Outdoor Centre Key words: Outdoor sport, physical activity, nature, wellbeing The role of sport coaches in promoting the mental health of youth Purpose: Encouraging participation in sport may offer a valuable approach to supporting mental health of young people. In this regard, sport coaches can play an important role. This study examined the influence of sport coaches on the mental health of youth in sport settings. Methods: The study comprised a literature search and interviews with representatives of three sport programs specifically aimed at stimulating the mental health of youth. Data from both the literature and the group interviews were thematically analysed. Results: Positive coaching styles, characterized by encouragement, constructive feedback, and an emphasis on enjoyment and psychological safety, were associated with positive mental health outcomes. Coaches who adapted activities to the needs, abilities, and experiences of young individuals further supported these outcomes. Highly performance-focused approaches increased pressure and were linked to poorer mental health outcomes. Strong, trusting coach-child relationships, fostered through individual attention and open communication, enabled early recognition of mental health concerns and promoted feelings of support. Limited trust, poor communication, lack of transparency, and insufficient attention to individual needs were associated with distress and negative mental health outcomes. Conclusions: Sport coaches play a central role in shaping mental health experiences of young individuals in sports. Coaching practices and coach-child relationships can either support or undermine mental health highlighting the importance of equipping coaches with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to foster psychologically safe and developmentally appropriate sport environments. Key words: coaches, youth, mental health Funding Source: The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (Sport and Youth Department) Training social sports coaches to reach and empower individuals in a socially disadvantaged position: Results from a European project Purpose: Progression Pathways in Social Sports (PPSS) is a European project (2024–2026) that aims to build a European learning community to support the provision of social sports activities for people in socially disadvantaged positions and to train social sports coaches. The project involves six countries: France, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal. Methods: In each country, partner organizations recruited 3–8 participants for one or two 1-week international training courses on social sports coaching. These courses were hosted in Portugal and Norway. Hereafter, participants were asked to recruit and train at least 12 new social sports coaches in their countries. The project team, comprising country leaders from each partner organization, met online approximately four times per year. Evaluation data were collected through project meetings, surveys, and interviews with participants and country leaders, focusing on strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement. Results: Participants evaluated the international training positively, particularly the practical skills focus, certification, and international exchange. Recruitment strategies and outcomes differed substantially across countries and were strongly influenced by national structures for social sports provision. For example, Portugal benefited from an established national network, whereas programs in Norway were more geographically dispersed. Recruiting new coaches nationally posed challenges, a clear multiplier effect emerged. Conclusion: PPSS successfully contributed to the development of a European learning community for training social sports coaches, resulting in increased social sports activities for individuals in socially disadvantaged positions. The long-term sustainability of this community requires monitoring. Keywords: train-the-trainer, social work, marginalized groups Funding: European Union (Erasmus+) Exploring the role of Sport Club Provision as a mechanism to address substance use and crime within a high density urban centre in Ireland Background Sport is a resource for enhancing wellbeing among disadvantaged groups and has been implicated as potential mechanism to reduce substance use and criminality, particularly among youth. However this relationship is nuanced and contextual factors within certain areas such as high density, lower socio-economic urban areas may shape this. The aim of this research was to explore the perceived reach and effectiveness of sports clubs in addressing substance use and crime in addition to exploring context specific issues of sport club utilisation, engagement and development to enhance substance use and crime reduction. Method Descriptive qualitative interviews (N= 16) framed by RE-AIM were undertaken with key stakeholders (including community/youth workers, sports club representatives, elected officials) from a high-density urban area with reported high rate of crime/substance use. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis reveals nuanced understanding of the role of sport clubs in reducing substance use and crime. While perceived as valuable, broader social determinant factors require consideration in the context of club engagement and value with respect to substance misuse and crime prevention. Conclusion The research provides evidence for enhanced investment in sport as a mechanism to reduce substance use and crime among the specific urban area of study. Furthermore, the research highlights perceived gaps in service provision and a need for targeted youth engagement in shaping the sport landscape of the area of inquiry to address social determinant barriers. Funding source North Inner City Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, Ireland Key words: Sport; “Substance use” | |
