Understanding the local sports council as a mechanism for community sport development

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to develop a theoretical understanding of the concepts and relationships that describe the local sports council as a mechanism for community sport development through a case study of one such organization. This paper presents a grounded theory study of a local sports council whose mandate reflects ‘sport for all’ by promoting, developing, and coordinating opportunities for sport and recreation in the community. Based on interviews (n = 16) with key stakeholders (board chairs, executive directors, municipal government representatives, and community sport clubs), the study reveals factors that enable and constrain the Council from contributing to community sport development. A model is derived that illustrates the impact of citizen-based leadership within an arm's-length organization, and how its philosophy and activities drive community sport development. Factors that enhance or jeopardize the Council's ability to contribute to community sport development include awareness of the Council, citizen engagement based on self-interest, and financial sustainability of the organization. The case study offers an in-depth understanding of the nature and role of a local sports council and discusses the challenges faced in promoting and achieving community sport development.

Keywords:

• local sports council
• stakeholders
• community sport development

Notes

1 Sports councils are known as ‘sports commissions’ in the USA. They tend to align with Visitors and Convention Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce to support the hosting and marketing of sport events and the tourism associated with that (National Association of Sports Commissions, 2010). Local sports councils can be distinguished from other organizations also using the ‘sports council’ title including national sports councils or elite sports councils (e.g. Irish Sports Council, National Elite Sports Council in Australia; Singapore Sports Council, Sports Council for Wales).