Annick Willem

Interrelation of Sport Participation, Physical Activity, Social Capital and Mental Health in Disadvantaged Communities: A SEM-Analysis

Background The Health through Sport conceptual model links sport participation with physical, social and psychological outcomes and stresses the need for more understanding between these outcomes. The present study aims to uncover how sport participation, physical activity, social capital and mental health are interrelated by examining these outcomes in one model. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine disadvantaged communities in Antwerp (Belgium). Two hundred adults (aged 18–56) per community were randomly selected and visited at home to fill out a questionnaire on socio-demographics, sport participation, physical activity, social capital and mental health. A sample of 414 adults participated in the study. Results Structural Equation Modeling analysis showed that sport participation (β = .095) and not total physical activity (β = .027) was associated with better mental health. No association was found between sport participation and community social capital (β = .009) or individual social capital (β = .045). Furthermore, only community social capital was linked with physical activity (β = .114), individual social capital was not (β = -.013). In contrast, only individual social capital was directly associated with mental health (β = .152), community social capital was not (β = .070). Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of sport participation and individual social capital to improve mental health in disadvantaged communities. It further gives a unique insight into the functionalities of how sport participation, physical activity, social capital and mental health are interrelated. Implications for policy are that cross-sector initiatives between the sport, social and health sector need to be supported as their outcomes are directly linked to one another.

A Comparative Study of Health Promotion Networks: Configurations of determinants for network effectiveness

Abstract Collaborative public networks have become increasingly important as policy tools to address complex social and health problems. However, despite the broad literature on network effectiveness, there is still insufficient insight into the different determinants of whole network effectiveness, and particularly on how these determinants are related. Based on an empirical comparison of 13 mature networks, this study identified potential environment, structural, and management determinants. Moreover, configurations of the identified determinants leading to network effectiveness were generated using configurational comparative methods. We gained insights into how configurations of determinants impacted network effectiveness and found a dominance of structural and managerial determinants.

Capacity building through cross-sector partnerships: a multiple case study of a sport program in disadvantaged communities in Belgium.

BackgroundRecent research has illustrated the need for cross-sector partnerships to tackle multidimensional problems such as health inequalities and sport and physical activity promotion. Capacity building is based on partnerships and has demonstrated effectiveness in tackling these multidimensional problems. This study aims to explain how cross-sector partnerships build capacity at the practitioner, organisational and partnership levels. The subject of this study is a community sport program (CSP) that aims to increase sport participation rates and physical activity levels.MethodsThe study examined multiple cases in four disadvantaged communities in Antwerp, Belgium where the CSP was implemented. Forty-four face-to-face interviews were held with leaders from sport, social, health, culture and youth organisations that collaborated with the CSP.ResultsThirteen elements of cross-sector partnerships were identified as critical to building capacity at each of the different levels. These include: process evaluation, trust, mutuality, policy support, partner complementarity and fit, diversity of activities and period of collaboration-time. Trust in turn was fostered by a longer period of collaboration-time, better personal contact, clearer coordination and an external focus. Policy support was developed by support of partners and establishing clear metrics of success.ConclusionInsight into the key elements of cross-sector partnerships that build capacity is given and several practical recommendations are suggested for practitioners and policy makers.

Who participates in running events? : socio-demographic characteristics, psychosocial factors and barriers as correlates of non-participation : a pilot study in Belgium

In Western countries, the popularity of running events has increased exponentially during the last three decades. However, little is known about the profile of non-participants. This knowledge is crucial to tailor promotional actions towards people who are currently not participating. Therefore, this study aimed: (1) to examine which socio-ecological factors are related to participation in running events, (2) to give an overview of the barriers towards participation, and (3) to examine differences in barriers depending on gender, age and educational level. Flemish adults (n = 308) completed an online questionnaire about their socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics, physical activity levels, participation in running events and barriers towards participation. Results showed that motivation, family social support, knowledge about running events and physical activity levels were associated with participation in running events. Among non-participants, the main barriers were bad physical condition, lack of time and lack of interest. In participants, lack of time, distance to the event and financial barriers were most prevalent. With some exceptions, barriers were relatively similar across socio-demographic subgroups. This study confirmed a democratization among participants of running events and provided evidence about which barriers should be tackled to increase participation among population subgroups that are currently underrepresented in such events.

Why network structure and coordination matter: A social network analysis of sport for disadvantaged people

Although local governments attempt to promote sports among all layers of society, people with a lower socio-economic status are still under-represented in grassroots sports. Previous studies indicate that inter-sectoral networks and joint efforts can contribute to an increase in sport participation among these groups, but a systematic analysis of the structure, coordination and interactions in the networks is still missing. Insight into networks to promote sport for disadvantaged people may help in designing effective networks. Therefore, we conducted a social network analysis to explore the network structure and characteristics of networks that promote sport participation among disadvantaged people in three Flemish cities. Our results show that the networks needed to be coordinated by a sport administrator, in the initial stage. Once the network is up and running, coordination can be shared so that the sport administration can rely on the experiences of other sectors. More sport initiatives and a better network structure were found in the cities with a community sport development program, through which the sport-for-all policy is implemented and coordinated, compared to a city without such a program.

Information, knowledge creation and innovation management in sport: an introduction to the thematic section

in sport: an introduction to the thematic section Vassil Girginov, Kristine Toohey and Annick Willem Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University, London, UK; Visitng Professor, University of Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa; Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium

Governmental power in elite sport networks: a resource-dependency perspective

ABSTRACT Research question: The contemporary elite sport policy arena is highly complicated with a plethora of stakeholders relying on each other to reach their shared goal of international sporting success. Interactions among stakeholders have a large impact on outcomes. Therefore, these interactions are crucial to analyze when examining elite sport policy implementation. This study draws from network theory and resource-dependency theory to gain an understanding of the governance of elite sport networks by analyzing the impact of resource dependency and power dispersion on two collaborative processes, decision-making and coordination. Research methods: An empirical qualitative study was conducted within the Flemish sport context. Data were collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with 64 respondents. Results and findings: Decision-making in the elite sport network was mainly influenced by the large power ascendancy of the government agency. Coordination was streamlined through clear administrative procedures to overcome distrust. However, coordination issues were often the result of power plays between network partners. Some interesting instruments were revealed that enhanced legitimacy and trust in the network; namely, leveraging expertise and knowledge; engaging in collaborative goal setting; establishing a task force; and engaging in co-optation tactics. Implementation: This research adds to the collaborative network literature by explicitly linking perceptions of power and resource-dependency to the decision-making and coordination processes. The results contribute to research on elite sport by bringing insights into the relationships among resource-dependency, power, decision-making and coordination; and into the usefulness of the instruments to handle potential pitfalls inherent to these relationships.

Fans as stakeowners? : an analysis of their perceptions on organizational ethical leadership in professional football

As professional sports organizations are increasingly engaging in Cause-Related Marketing (CRM), there is a growing interest in understanding to what extent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can deliver win-win outcomes for both the organization and society at large (Irwin, Lachowetz, & Clark, 2010). Research on CSR and CRM has primarily focused on conceptualization, and less on implementation (Maignan & Ferrell, 2004). This study clarifies what specific marketing decisions a professional sport organization attempts to make, and to what extent these are in line with the defined CRM strategy. Understanding this alignment and the potential lack thereof, is important since ineffectiveness in implementation will result in an inability to satisfy stakeholder needs and an under-deployed win-win outcome.Background/problem/issueSwedish ice hockey is by tradition built on the principles of the European Model of Sport (pyramid structure, non-profit, utility maximization, youth fostering, and promotio ...

From Cause-related Marketing strategy to implementation in professional sport organizations : a matter of alignment

As professional sports organizations are increasingly engaging in Cause-Related Marketing (CRM), there is a growing interest in understanding to what extent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can deliver win-win outcomes for both the organization and society at large (Irwin, Lachowetz, & Clark, 2010). Research on CSR and CRM has primarily focused on conceptualization, and less on implementation (Maignan & Ferrell, 2004). This study clarifies what specific marketing decisions a professional sport organization attempts to make, and to what extent these are in line with the defined CRM strategy. Understanding this alignment and the potential lack thereof, is important since ineffectiveness in implementation will result in an inability to satisfy stakeholder needs and an under-deployed win-win outcome.Background/problem/issueSwedish ice hockey is by tradition built on the principles of the European Model of Sport (pyramid structure, non-profit, utility maximization, youth fostering, and promotio ...