Linda Ooms

Objective: There is limited evidence on how sports clubs implement health promotion (HP) through a settings-based approach. This study explored how grassroots sports club promote health by examining their organisational contexts and the roles of sports managers across different stages of HP implementation. Design: Qualitative multiple case study design. Setting: Grassroots sports clubs operating in five countries. Method: Six sports clubs were selected based on predefined criteria: affiliation with a national sports federation, more than 5 years of operation, and provision of sports activities for at least four age categories. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with sports club managers. A deductive thematic analysis was conducted using the Health Promoting Sports Club (HPSC) logic model to examine inputs, activities, outcomes, and impacts, alongside managerial roles across different stages of HP development. Results: Sports clubs varied in organisational context and orientation towards HP, with implementation stages ranging from initial activity-based approaches to fully embedded, organisation-wide strategies. Managerial leadership emerged as a key driver of progression, evolving from basic coordination in the early stages to strategic planning, partnership development, and system integration in more advanced stages. Common inputs included support from sports federations, municipalities, volunteers, and local partnerships. HP activities included health education integrated into training, inclusive and accessible programmes, safeguarding policies, and community-oriented events. Reported outcomes included improved health literacy, safer sports practices, and enhanced organisational competence. Long-term impacts were perceived as healthier lifestyles, stronger social cohesion, and improved club sustainability. Conclusion: Grassroots sports clubs represent a valuable setting for HP; however, health impact depends on the extent to which HP is systematically embedded within organisational policies, practices, and culture. Managerial capacity and multi-level partnerships are critical mechanisms for achieving sustainable HP development.

Background: Promoting mental health through sports participation may be a promising strategy to support the mental health of children and adolescents. This systematic review investigated the perceptions of children and adolescents and of stakeholders close to this target group (e.g., teammates, coaches, parents) on 1) how sports participation influences the mental health of children and adolescents; and 2) factors in sports settings influencing this relationship. Methods: A systematic review of qualitative studies was performed. Six electronic databases (CINAHL, PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) were searched for relevant studies from inception to 21 August 2024. Out of 1,001 identified records, 25 studies were included. Study quality was assessed using the CASP-tool. Thematic analysis was performed to synthesize findings, which were structured according to the socio-ecological model. Results are presented according to three main topics: 1) mental health outcomes (intrapersonal level of socio-ecological model); 2) individual mechanisms (intrapersonal level); and 3) factors in the sports setting (interpersonal, and organizational and community levels). Results: Sports participation influenced various mental health outcomes, including emotions, self-confidence and self-esteem, levels of stress, and resilience, both positively and negatively. Five key individual mechanisms were identified through which sports participation influenced mental health: distraction and focus, performance, personal development, purpose and structure in life, and a sense of belonging. Additionally, interpersonal factors, such as the influence of coaches, teammates and peers, family members, and (team) professionals, appeared important in the relationship between sports participation and mental health. The broader social climate (organizational and community levels) also influenced this relationship. Based on the socio-ecological model and the review findings, a theoretical model was developed illustrating these interconnections. Conclusions: The findings confirm the potential mental health benefits of sports participation among children and adolescents, which are largely influenced by interpersonal factors. However, some negative mental health outcomes were also identified and may be underreported. These insights can guide targeted interventions to enhance youth mental health through sports participation, aligned with the proposed theoretical model. Future research should refine this model, assess its applicability across populations, developmental stages, sports activities, and settings, and explore its links with sport drop-out.

The aim of this study was to explore why and how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced local sport promotion policy in the Netherlands. We used a case study approach examining the Dutch context. We studied the perspectives of Local Sport Managers (LSMs) and (coordinators of) neighbourhood sport coaches (NSCs). We applied the principles of the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) within a socioecological model of local sport promotion policy to examine whether the COVID-19 pandemic created a 'policy window' for policy change and if so why. Online questionnaires were sent to LSMs (n = 352, response 26%) and online group interviews (n = 11) were conducted with LSMs and (coordinators of) NSCs. Our study revealed the COVID-19 pandemic indeed opened a 'policy window' and resulted in local policy changes related to the facilities and public space (hardware), organisational actors (orgware) and organised activities (software). In most cases, this did not lead to totally new policy, but more a shift in focus. National politics as a response on the COVID-19 pandemic increased the generic awareness of the importance of sport for health. This helped in legitimising the existence of sport promotion policy for a broader purpose. It is important for LSMs and NSCs to take advantage of this 'policy window' and use it to create advocacy and support for sport promotion policy over a longer period. As policy change and implementation normally take a period of multiple years, the current Dutch policy framework provides (financial) opportunities for LSMs and NSCs to follow this through.

Purpose: Children from low-income families participate less often in sport and physical activity than children from high-income families. In the Netherlands, sporting programs were implemented by sports clubs in collaboration with other local organizations to stimulate physical activity among children from poor families. These programs were funded by the Dutch government within the program ‘Sport Impulse Youth from Low Income Neighborhoods’ (2014-2020). The aim of the research was to get insight into the implementation and successfulness of these sporting programs with regard to increasing sport participation among the target group. Methods: After the two-year funding period, online questionnaires were sent to project coordinators and group interviews were conducted with project coordinators and collaborating partners (funding period 2014-2017). During the final funding period (2018-2020), also group interviews were conducted with participating children and parents. The research focused on the reach and implementation of the programs, involvement of parents, experienced effects, and factors influencing sport participation among the target group. Results: Sporting programs were often adapted to the local context. Furthermore, there was little collaboration with key figures in the neighborhood that were close to the target group. The target group was predominantly reached through providing sport activities at schools in low-income neighborhoods. Providing different sport activities and personal guidance, stimulated children’s participation. However, a lack of follow-up activities and a lack of parental involvement, hindered structural sport participation. Conclusions: The target group can be reached with these kind of sporting programs. To enhance program effectiveness, it is important to involve parents and to ensure suited follow-up activities are available. Furthermore, it is important that the sport coach is someone who is familiar with the background of the target group. Moreover, collaborations with key figures in the neighborhood could help in attracting more participants. Finally, adaptations in sporting programs should be thoroughly monitored. Funding source: This study was funded by ZonMw, The Netherlands.

Purpose: The Dutch government implemented various public health mandates to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus, such as self-quarantining, social distancing, closure of schools and sport facilities. This also impacted the sport sector and local sport promotion policies. The aim of the research was to get insight into why and how the Covid-19 pandemic and related restrictions influenced local sport promotion policy. Methods: At the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, online questionnaires were sent to local sport managers (LSMs, n = 352, response 26%). These persons are responsible for the development of sport promotion policy within a municipality. In addition, online group interviews (n = 11) were conducted with LSMs and neighborhood sport coaches (NSCs). The latter are important implementers of sport promotion policy activities. A socio-ecological model of local sport promotion in the Netherlands was used as a theoretical framework. Results: LSMs and NSCs reported that the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions led to (some) changes in local sport promotion policy related to the facilities and public space (hardware), activity providers (orgware) and organized activities (software). In most cases, this did not lead to totally new policy, but there was a shift in focus related to the importance or urgency. For example, the growing importance of facilitating sport in public space and using sport as a means to promote health. Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic and additional financial resources (Covid-19 recovery funds) from the national government enhanced the implementation of sport promotion activities, especially for children, adolescents and older adults. Conclusions: The Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions influenced sport promotion policy (activities) in a positive way at the national level, the local level and within the municipal office. The general awareness of the importance of sport for health helped in legitimizing sport promotion policy and activities at all levels. However, it is questionable whether these changes are structural, especially when additional funding options cease. Considering the increased inequalities in sport and physical activity participation, it is important there remains attention for sport promotion of specific inactive target groups. Funding source: This study was funded by ZonMw, The Netherlands, grant number [10430032010016].

This chapter deals with the marketing of running events and offers an in-depth look into the segmentation, branding and communication strategies of event organisers in achieving the policies discussed earlier in the book. This chapter engages with both the conceptual aspects of events marketing and its practical application. It systematically interrogates the product, place, promotion and communication of running events by offering practical suggestions for various aspects of the marketing mix. This chapter is supported by two case studies about the Marathon Amersfoort in The Netherlands, and the Athens Authentic Marathon, which illustrate the conceptual aspects of marketing.

Background: The organized sports sector has received increased interest as a setting to stimulate physical activity among inactive target groups. To include many inactive people and to obtain population health benefits, it is important that effective sporting programs are sustained (i.e. continuation of program activities) over a long period of time. This study identified the factors influencing the long-term sustainability of these kind of sporting programs located within local sports clubs in the Netherlands. Methods: Fourteen Dutch sporting programs aimed at increasing physical activity levels of inactive population groups and funded within the National Action Plan for Sport and Exercise (NAPSE) were the focus of this study. The programs were developed by ten Dutch National Sports Federations (NSFs) and implemented by different sports clubs in the Netherlands within a three-year funded implementation period (2008-2011). This research consisted of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the program coordinators of the NSFs (n = 14) and semi-structured telephone interviews with representatives of sports clubs that provided the programs (n = 17 continued the program, n = 11 discontinued the program) six and a half years after the funding period ended (November 2017-March 2018). A sustainability framework with five pre-specified main themes (i.e. program design, implementation, trainer/coach, organizational setting, broader community environment) guided data collection and (deductive) thematic analysis. Results: Ten of the fourteen NAPSE funded sporting programs were sustained at the level of the NSFs. Most factors facilitating (+) and impeding (-) the long-term sustainability of the programs were common to both NSFs and sports clubs, like program adaptation (+) and a lack of program financing (-). Program evaluation (+) and high program costs (-) were specific factors mentioned by NSFs, while factors related to human resources (e.g. lack of volunteers (-)) or the sports club nature (e.g. social aspect in program design (+)) applied to sports clubs. The factors were summarized in the form of a checklist. Conclusions: Key factors influencing the long-term sustainability of the sporting programs were identified. The results can be used to develop strategies to promote long-term sustainability of these kind of programs and inform funding guidelines in countries with a similar organized sports infrastructure.

There is limited knowledge about how a settings-based approach can be best applied in a sports club setting. This qualitative exploratory study examined whether and how sporting programs focusing on individual behavior change (i.e., increasing physical activity levels of inactive people) and implemented on the micro-level of the sports club, can be a first step towards a settings-based approach (i.e., inclusion of the meso- and macro-level of the sports club). In addition, this study explored factors that influenced the inclusion of the meso- and macro-level of the sports club. Telephone interviews were conducted with representatives of sixteen sports clubs about program activities on all levels of the sports club. Thematic analyses were performed to explore stimulating and hindering factors. After multiple years, six sports clubs also had program activities on the meso-level and twelve sports clubs had activities on the macro-level. Program activities differed per level within a sports club and on the same level between sports clubs. Cultural and social factors influenced macro-level activities, while predominantly economic factors influenced meso-level activities. Based on these factors, sports clubs could develop, prioritize, and choose strategies that support them in developing a settings-based approach when increasing physical activity levels of inactive citizens.

Background: The organized sports sector has received increased interest as a setting to stimulate physical activity among inactive target groups. To include many inactive people and to obtain population health benefits, it is important that effective sporting programs are sustained (i.e. continuation of program activities) over a long period of time. This study identified the factors influencing the long-term sustainability of these kind of sporting programs located within local sports clubs in the Netherlands. Methods: Fourteen Dutch sporting programs aimed at increasing physical activity levels of inactive population groups and funded within the National Action Plan for Sport and Exercise (NAPSE) were the focus of this study. The programs were developed by ten Dutch National Sports Federations (NSFs) and implemented by different sports clubs in the Netherlands within a three-year funded implementation period (2008–2011). This research consisted of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the program coordinators of the NSFs (n = 14) and semi-structured telephone interviews with representatives of sports clubs that provided the programs (n = 17 continued the program, n = 11 discontinued the program) six and a half years after the funding period ended (November 2017–March 2018). A sustainability framework with five pre-specified main themes (i.e. program design, implementation, trainer/coach, organizational setting, broader community environment) guided data collection and (deductive) thematic analysis. Results: Ten of the fourteen NAPSE funded sporting programs were sustained at the level of the NSFs. Most factors facilitating (+) and impeding (−) the long-term sustainability of the programs were common to both NSFs and sports clubs, like program adaptation (+) and a lack of program financing (−). Program evaluation (+) and high program costs (−) were specific factors mentioned by NSFs, while factors related to human resources (e.g. lack of volunteers (−)) or the sports club nature (e.g. social aspect in program design (+)) applied to sports clubs. The factors were summarized in the form of a checklist. Conclusions: Key factors influencing the long-term sustainability of the sporting programs were identified. The results can be used to develop strategies to promote long-term sustainability of these kind of programs and inform funding guidelines in countries with a similar organized sports infrastructure.

Background: The organized sports sector has received increased interest as a setting to stimulate physical activity among inactive target groups. To include many inactive people and to obtain population health benefits, it is important that effective sporting programs are sustained (i.e. continuation of program activities) over a long period of time. This study identified the factors influencing the long-term sustainability of these kind of sporting programs located within local sports clubs in the Netherlands. Methods: Fourteen Dutch sporting programs aimed at increasing physical activity levels of inactive population groups and funded within the National Action Plan for Sport and Exercise (NAPSE) were the focus of this study. The programs were developed by ten Dutch National Sports Federations (NSFs) and implemented by different sports clubs in the Netherlands within a three-year funded implementation period (2008-2011). This research consisted of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the program coordinators of the NSFs (n=14) and semi-structured telephone interviews with representatives of sports clubs that provided the programs (n=17 continued the program, n=11 discontinued the program) six and a half years after the funding period ended (November 2017-March 2018). A sustainability framework with five pre-specified main themes (i.e. program design, implementation, trainer/coach, organizational setting, broader community environment) guided data collection and (deductive) thematic analysis. Results: Ten of the fourteen NAPSE funded sporting programs were sustained at the level of the NSFs. Most factors facilitating (+) and impeding (-) the long-term sustainability of the programs were common to both NSFs and sports clubs, like program adaptation (+) and a lack of program financing (-). Program evaluation (+) and high program costs (-) were specific factors mentioned by NSFs, while factors related to human resources (e.g. lack of volunteers (-)) or the sports club nature (e.g. social aspect in program design (+)) applied to sports clubs. The factors were summarized in the form of a checklist. Conclusions: Key factors influencing the long-term sustainability of the sporting programs were identified. The results can be used to develop strategies to promote long-term sustainability of these kind of programs and inform funding guidelines in countries with a similar organized sports infrastructure.