Sport for development (S4D) as ‘core university business’? Modelling university participation in sport-based social development

ABSTRACT

Among the recognised strengths of the ‘Sport for Development’ (S4D) framework there is the capacity of sport to contribute to positive community networks, education and community participation. However, its relevance to tertiary education institutions is often under-appreciated. In this framework, the Football United^® program was recently piloted in South Australia with an innovative approach offering significant opportunities for integration with university activities, including academic, extra-curricular and skill acquisition programs, as well as for community outreach. This approach is based around four key strategic areas of community engagement, student engagement, research and aspirations towards education. It aims to encourage university leadership and participation and it has a focus on awareness and aspirations towards tertiary education in educationally disadvantaged communities. While it is important to address considerations about the meaning of development and the role that sport can play to facilitate it, this paper argues that there is scope for universities to become increasingly involved with the delivery of sport-based social development programs.

KEYWORDS:

• sport for development (S4D)
• higher education
• community engagement
• student engagement
• community development

Notes on contributors

Edoardo G. F. Rosso is a social geographer with an interest in sport studies, sport coaching, physical activity and well-being, social capital, social exclusion and community development. He works as a Research Fellow: Sport and Development in the Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia. His research investigates psycho-social and socio-economic aspects of sport participation, with particular reference to vulnerable populations and in collaboration with a wide range of education, community, government, non-for-profit and sport organisations.

Richard McGrath is a lecturer and researcher in the School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia. His research background covers a number of areas including public management, inclusive community recreation and disability studies. Dr McGrath's has adopted a number of research methodologies to investigate youth participation in various community sport initiatives as well as links between physical activity participation and motivation and engagement with learning in school environments.

Maarten A. Immink is Senior Lecturer, Human Movement in the School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia. His background is in motor behaviour as a sub-discipline of exercise and sport science. His research investigates cognitive factors that influence skilled movement performance. Dr Immink was Program Director for the human movement degree at the University of South Australia at the time work reported in this paper was completed.

Esther May is the Dean of Clinical Education and Equity in the Division of Health Sciences at the University of South Australia. Originally trained as an occupational therapist, Esther obtained a Ph.D. in medical sciences from the University of Gothenburg (Sweden) in 1992 and has been an active educator and researcher. Esther has a keen interest in health workforce matters and the role of education in producing the health workforce of the future, particularly for Aboriginal and low SES groups.