Dynamic Communities: participation

in sport

Discussion report

Written by

Mark Hutton and Rhodri Bowen

Unit 1 @Loudoun

Plas Iona

Butetown

Cardiff 

CF10 5HW

Tel: 029 2049 9621

Email: mark.hutton@peopleandworkunit.org.uk

Website: www.peopleandworkunit.org.uk

Charity Registration No: 515211

Company Registration No: 1809654

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Contents

1. Introduction................................................................................................................3

2. Findings.....................................................................................................................6

3. Discussion points.....................................................................................................19

Bibliography...................................................................................................................24

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1. Introduction

Background

1.1. Dynamic Communities is a project that aims to learn how best to use sport and

physical activity as a means of encouraging individuals and families to engage

with the development of their own communities. This includes learning how to

create an environment which encourages community members to organise

community activities and to sustain them, helping people from disadvantaged

areas to take ownership of local events, clubs and activities.

1.2. The project is funded by Comic Relief, and is delivered by the People and Work

Unit (PWU). Mark Hutton is the Project Leader, James Hall manages the project

and Rhodri Bowen has provided evaluation support for the project.

What this report tells you

1.3. The report discusses the findings from the project’s online survey (101

respondents) on sport participation of five Community First areas within Rhondda

Cynon Taf (RCT) which include Cymmer, Glyncoch, Trealaw, Wattstown and

Ynyshir.

1.4. In order to provide wider context to the survey findings the report also draws

upon other sources. These include:

evidence from the Hutton and Bowen (in press) report which mapped 53

voluntary groups provision and explored why people become involved in

voluntary groups within the five community first areas (see copy of interview

schedule in appendix 2);

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Feedback from a discussion meeting with relevant professionals working for the

Local Authority, Communities First Partnerships and the National Health Service;

other relevant studies and strategies; and

insights from Mark Hutton the Dynamic Communities Project Leader who has

many years experience of using sports and exercise as a means of engagement

for community development.

1.5. The report provides an opportunity to discuss insights and solutions in relations

to the findings from the survey. Findings from the report should not be used to

make judgments or criticisms upon existing services; it should only be used as a

way to help inform future developments.

Survey

1.6. The survey was undertaken from May 2012 to September 2012.

1.7. Graph 1 highlights the wide range of age groups that completed the survey.

However the largest response rate came from those between 25 – 54 years old.

Therefore the survey mainly (around two thirds) represents this age group.

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Graph 1 showing the proportion of respondents to the survey in relation to age

groups.

Source: Dynamic Communities survey by the PWU

1.8. Approximately 60% of respondents were male and 40% female. Therefore the

overall results reflect the view of men more than women.

1.9. The response rate to the surveyed is not high enough to be confident that they

are representative of the Communities First areas population (10 years old or

above). However, taking into consideration supportive evidence from other

sources the PWU are confident they provide an adequate indication of views of

working age adults in these areas.

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2. Findings

Overall findings

2.1. Graph 2 highlights low membership of physical activity / sport groups with two

thirds of the respondents not being members of any activity groups or sports clubs.

This correlates closely with the findings of the 2008 Welsh Health Survey (Welsh

Government, 2008) which suggested that under 30% of people in Wales were

undertaking sufficient activity to benefit their health. Evidence from the mapping

research (Hutton and Bowen, in press) showed there were limited numbers of

these clubs in the communities addressed in this study, with none found in one

community (Trealaw). Moreover, most of the sports clubs were either football or

rugby clubs suggesting a limited choice of activities. Findings from the discussion

meeting suggest that this offers a particular bias towards male involvement in

sport and physical activity, as girls and women are typically less involved with

these sports and more involved with non-mainstream sports and activities.

2.2. Promotion of and support for local sports clubs and activities groups has been

cemented as a goal within the Welsh Government’s health policy framework,

‘Creating an Active Wales’ (2008). The research that informs this policy document

also supports the finding here that there is great difference in availability and

choice across Wales, and that extending this provision is a preferred strategy for

increasing the participation of all people, including those with different physical

abilities.

Graph 2 showing the proportion of respondents who are members of physical activity group / sports club

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Source: Dynamic Communities survey by the PWU

2.3. Graph 3 shows the type of activities respondents were engaged in and the

frequency they did these activities. The graph highlights some interesting

patterns. These include:

‘walking’ is significantly the most common activities for all three groups of

respondents (i.e. those who exercised less than two hours, between two to four

hours, and more than four times a week);

for many of the activities (e.g. Zumba, swimming and dance) all three groups of

respondents were involved in activities to a similar degree;

‘Gym’ and ‘running / treadmill’ are relatively common activities amongst those

who exercise regularly, however, these activities were uncommon amongst those

who did not exercise regularly (i.e. less than two hours per week); and

Rugby, football and Wii (most notably rugby) aren’t as popular as would be

expected.

2.4. Some of the respondents who stated walking as their activity had commented

that their walking activity included “walking to the shop”. Moreover, the mapping

research (Ibid.) only found three walking groups within the communities

suggesting that the walking was not necessarily undertaken in a vigorous

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manner. In relation to this finding many studies (Christopher et al, 2008; Laursen

and Jenkins, 2002; Talanian et al, 2007) have indicated high intensity exercise

over short periods of time is likely to have greater physical health benefits than

low intensive exercise.

2.5. The mapping research (Hutton and Bowen, in press) highlighted that some of the

activities listed such as Zumba exercises were being duplicated in some

communities at similar dates/times whilst at other dates/times no provision was

available. This showed that if providers changed delivery times they could reach

a wider cohort of people or people more frequently without extending provision.

2.6. The evidence from survey suggests that those who exercise regularly are

engaged in the gym and running / treadmill. This suggests that those paying for

an activity such as a gym may help to commit people to exercising regularly or

those who are ‘keen’ to exercise regularly are willing to pay or both. In our

estimation people committing either financially or through other forms such as

use of time banking credits may help to sustain more regular exercise as oppose

to becoming involved in free activity with low financial or work commitment.

2.7. Given that studies (Sports Council for Wales, 2009; Martin, 2000) show that

football and rugby are by far the most popular sports to participate in within

Wales, the proportion of people in the survey who highlight rugby as an activity

they participate in seems low. In support of this Mark Hutton’s experience of

working in these communities has highlighted a lack of mini and junior rugby

teams, which has had a knock on effect on the numbers of people participating at

youth and senior level.

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Graph 3 shows the type of activities respondents were participating in and the frequency of the participation.

2.8. Graph 4 highlights a range of reasons why respondents felt that they didn’t get

involved in physical activities. No reason significantly stood out. However, around

a third commented that they didn’t know what’s going on. In support of this the

mapping research (Ibid.) highlighted that although there was information

available on what was on much of it was not up-to-date. The mapping also

suggests that providing up-to-date information is challenging due to the number

of activities which start up, finish and change. Furthermore, the issue of not

knowing about provision was addressed at the discussion meeting, and various

channels through the local authority and through Communities First partnerships

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were highlighted which could provide this information. In terms of communication

strategy, the importance of varied approaches was raised at the discussion

meeting. New forms of media such as facebook and twitter were regarded as

more reflexive and more likely to reach a certain, particularly younger,

demographic.

2.9. While work can be done to ensure that knowledge of provision is widespread, a

low uptake may relate to this only in combination with other factors. Professionals

attending the discussion meeting emphasised that the ‘don’t know what’s on’

response is taken with caution, as any underlying apathy behind these responses

would not necessarily be overcome by an intensive marketing exercise.

2.10. Approximately a third also stated that they ‘couldn’t find the time’. In our

estimation this is likely to be people’s subjective perception. For example, people

may say they haven’t got the time but often people find time to regularly watch

many hours of television. Professionals who attended the discussion meeting felt

that this reasoning for not partaking in physical activity is one area to be treated

with scrutiny – it was felt that there was a strong bias in people highlighting ‘time

constraints’, as in reality this may just be an attempt to cover up a lack of

enthusiasm.

2.11. Approximately a fifth for each stated ‘poor health’ ‘lack of facilities’ ‘looking after

others’ and ‘cost’. These are all factors that are likely to be relevant issues in

Communities First areas, for example, indicators such as limiting long term

illness (health) and income related benefits (cost) contribute to defining a

Communities First area.

2.12. Travel was highlighted as a particular issue by professionals working in these

communities attending the discussion meeting. Geographical dispersion means

that facilities will often be shared across different areas, though people in some

communities were less likely to travel to use them. Two parallel issues were at

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the root of this – one was the cost and availability of transport, the other was a

perceived lack of willingness to go outside the local area.

1.1. Encouragingly, very small numbers stated that they didn’t get involved because

‘they don’t enjoy it’ or their ‘not interested’. This suggests that people are

motivated to become involved given the right conditions.

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Graph 4 showing the proportion of respondents that provided different reasons to

why they didn’t do any physical activities.

Source: Dynamic Communities survey by the PWU

1.2. Graph 5 shows that despite the majority (55%) rating their local sporting facilities

as ‘very good’, ‘good’, or ‘ok’ the most common response was ‘ok’ and

approximately 40% rated the facilities as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. This suggests

sporting facilities are in need of some improvement. Evidence from the mapping

research (Ibid.) highlighted a lack of fit for purpose physical activities facilities,

and whilst some areas such as Trealaw had up to seven fit for purpose areas for

physical activities an area such as Wattstown only had three. Suggesting access

to local facilities ranged in different Communities First areas.

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Graph 5 showing how respondents proportionally rated sporting facilities.

Source: Dynamic Communities survey by the PWU

1.3. Graph 6 shows that overall those who were involved in physical activities in the

community were satisfied with their experience with approximately two thirds very

good’, ‘good’, or ‘ok’. Moreover with a considerable proportion not knowing

probably due to lack of participation (also see graph 2) the proportion of

satisfaction amongst those who have been involved activities are likely to be

higher. This suggests that if more people became involved in these activities

satisfaction levels are likely to be high (also see para. 2.10.).

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Graph 6 showing how respondents proportionally rated physical activities.

Source: Dynamic Communities survey by the PWU

Findings according to gender

1.4. Graph 7 highlights that women are far less likely to do over two hours exercise a

week than men. In support of this a recent British Heart foundation study

(Townsend et al, 2012) highlighted that a smaller proportion of women (24%)

than men (37%) self-reported that they were doing the recommended level of

physical activity per week. Although results from this survey suggest the gender

gap may be greater.

1.5. Graph 8 shows that men are twice as likely as women to be members of physical

activity group / sports club. Highlighting one of the reasons why women

participate in physical activities less (further reasons are highlighted in

paragraphs 2.16-17). The mapping research (Hutton and Bowen, in press)

provided information on two voluntary physical activity type groups for women

(numbers were very limited). The research highlighted that in order to be

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successful the groups needed to have a core group of committed members who

would “organise everything”. For example as one group leader commented

“during our first season we didn’t apply for any funding or grants. Everything we

did and bought we did ourselves as a team”.

It suggests that current successful groups rely greatly on their own skills and

capacities. Therefore to encourage more groups systems have to be develop to

support start up and help sustain such groups. Encouragingly one of RCT’s

2008-2014 Health Social Care and Well-being strategy (RCT, 2008a) priorities is

to “encourage women and girls to become more active” (p.17) providing a goal

for relevant bodies to achieve.

Key to bringing more women and girls into partaking in physical activity is the

idea of reflectively developing activities based on demand. Crucially, these may

not be mainstream activities. In this respect there is a major problem, as new,

less-established activities (for example Zumba or contemporary dance) require

fully qualified and trained support staff, in contrast to established ‘boy-heavy’

sports like football and rugby, which often attract local volunteers to run them and

therefore became self-sustaining. One of the problems identified by Communities

First partnerships at the discussion meeting was that where volunteers gained

training or experience, they would often find paid work and move on from

volunteering (and thus the partnerships become a victim of their own success!).

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Graph 7 comparing the proportion of females and males doing physical activities

more than two hours a week – from those who do physical activities1.

Source: Dynamic Communities survey by the PWU

Graph 8 comparing the proportion of females and males who are members of a physical activity group / sports club.

Source: Dynamic Communities survey by the PWU

1 i.e. not all respondents did physical activity and hence do not answer the question.

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1.6. The mapping research (Ibid.) highlighted a lack of opportunities for women. For

example, many of the opportunities were on in the evening

1.7. Graph 9 highlights that females are more likely to state than males; that not being

able ‘find the time’, ‘poor health’ and ‘looking after others’ acts as a barrier to their

participation in physical activities. Evidence from the mapping research (Hutton

and Bowen, in press) showed that most physical activities were organised in the

evening during which time children were home from school, hence meaning

many women didn’t have the time or were looking after their children when

activities were on. Mark’s experience has also highlighted that for certain age

groups exercise is difficult as girls classes are very limited within the community

and they can only attend leisure centers classes if over 16 years old or

accompanied by an adult under 16 years old. Moreover, access to the gym is for

plus 14 year olds.

1.8. Graph 9 also shows that men are far more likely than women to state that “lack of

facilities” is a barrier to participation in physical activities. In our estimation this is

likely to be due to men preference to the gym as a form of exercise with leisure

centers on the whole been difficult to reach from these communities unless you

have access to a car.

1.9. One important issue relating to female participation was that girls often prefer

less established sports and activities – for example, contemporary dance – for

which there are less likely to be volunteers with the knowledge to support.

Furthermore, a logistical issue was highlighted in that communities need to put

forward a requisite number of girls at each age bracket for them to be able to

compete at team sports like netball. In small or disparate communities, getting

these numbers together was difficult to achieve.

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Graph 9 comparing the proportion of female and male respondents that provided

different reasons to why they didn’t do any physical activities.

Source: Dynamic Communities survey by the PWU

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2. Discussion points

2.1. The process of undertaking this study as part of the Dynamic Communities

project has involved both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. As a result,

much of the findings been reflexive and have exposed themes that were less well

understood before. The themes that are presented below were presented by the

survey, by the discussion meeting with relevant professionals, by existing policy

and strategies, and from the professional insights of the project leader Mark

Hutton.

Successful Volunteering

2.2. Mark’s work in discussion and consultation with community groups has

highlighted a trend that the days of ‘something for nothing’ are in the past. In its

place, voluntary work now often is incentivised – nowhere is this more obvious

than in the use of timebanking.

2.3. With regards to volunteering, there may be incidence of volunteers coming

together over a shared interest, but being held back by structural factors;

Insurance – particularly for physical activity

Qualification of tutors

CRB process and background vetting

Transport

Fear of being part of a governance structure – a misunderstanding or

apprehension regarding the types of governance structures needed for

organisations drawing on funding streams.

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2.4. Despite this, RCTs Sports Leaders programme was recognised by relevant

professionals as a good example of supporting people to volunteer with the

incentive of being offered training, having worked with over 50 people.

Inclusion

2.5. Certain issues around the suitability of existing groups or clubs for people with

specific needs were raised. In particular, the value of physical activity within the

mental health rehabilitation process was emphasised in parallel to the inability of

many of these target groups to ‘fit in’ with the very localised nature of sports

clubs. Despite this, it is felt that these target groups may in fact become very

useful resources for groups or clubs, as they themselves are often looking for

opportunities to volunteer and support.

2.6. A further trend that is sometimes apparent, though by no means always, is that

existing clubs may become dominated by a certain social group or clique within a

community, limiting the willingness of others to be involved.

Health Advocate Model

2.7. Mark has used the early stages of the Dynamic Communities project to develop

and undertake the Health Advocate model for delivering provision of physical

activity. The model recognises, as in the discussion, that good volunteers help

make activities enjoyable and sustainable, and help to infer benefits to the wider

community.

2.8. The model is a three-stage process to achieve structured volunteering;

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The Health Advocate Process for Engagement

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Engagement through a common interest, e.g.

walking

Training group members to lead an

activity based on this interest

Training groups members to engage and train others, helping to

develop the activity into a self-sustaining group

Background

2.9. RCT’s 2008-2014 Health Social Care and Well-being strategy (RCT, 2008b)

highlights one of their priority goals as physical activity to “empower and enable

the population of RCT to be more physically active” (p.19). This underlines the

importance placed upon improving levels of physical activity within the local

authority.

2.10. The strategy also highlights that many factors which are likely to improve

people’s health and well-being will “require the wider efforts of society as a whole

to improve them” (p.19). Suggesting that the public, voluntary and private sector

needs to work together in order successfully implement the strategy.

Discussion points

2.11. The PWU propose discussion points in order to help overcome some of the

issues raised in this report (listed below). Encouragingly many of those who are

regularly involved in physical activities are satisfied with what they do, and those

who are not involved highlight barriers which can be overcome.

2.12. Discussion point 1: Do the findings in the report resonate with you? If yes, any

examples? If no, why not?

2.13. Discussion point 2: Ideas to explore for increasing overall participation in

physical activities. These include:

Taking steps to avoid duplication of provision (i.e. similar classes being held on

same evenings but no classes on other evenings);

Increase people’s commitment to exercise through financial payments or other

forms commitment such use of time-banking credits;

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Provide up-to-date information on activities in the areas which is easy for people

to access (challenging as facts change so fast);

Support the development of fit for purpose indoor and outdoor sports activities in

communities that lack them;

Inform Welsh Rugby Union and the blues region of decline in rugby participation

and seek their collaboration for solutions;

Arrange access to regular buses to local leisure centers; and

Any other ideas?

2.14. Discussion point 3: Ideas to explore for reducing the gender gap in terms of

lack of women participation in physical activities. These include (also see para

3.5):

More day time provision;

More family friendly activities which can include the whole family either exercising

together or catered for separately in the same location;

More accessible evening child-care provision;

Support for women to start up and sustain physical activity / sport groups; and

Any ideas other ideas?

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voluntary groups in Rhondda Cynon Taf. People and Work Unit: Cardiff.

Laursen, P. and Jenkins, D. (2002) The Scientific Basis for High-Intensity Interval

Training: Optimising Training Programmes and Maximising Performance in Highly

Trained Endurance Athletes. Sports Medicine 32 (1): 53-73.

Martin, J. (2000) Eighty minutes patriots? National identity and sport in Modern Wales.

The International Journal of the History of Sport. 17 (4): 93-110.

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