International Journal of Sport Studies for Health, 2024, VOL. 7, NO.

3, 41-48

International Journal of Sport Studies for Health

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The Role of Sports in Promoting Social Inclusion and Health

in Marginalized Communities
Valerie Karstensen1 , Oriana Piskorz-Ryń2 , Wioleta Karna3 , Angel Lee4 , Xian Seng Neo5 , Daniela Gottschlich6*
1 Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
2 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Caldas, Street 6623b-03, Manizales 170004, Caldas, Colombia
3 Department of Social Studies, Jesuit University Ignatianum, Krakow, Poland
4 Faculty of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts, Department of Psychology, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
5 Faculty of Humanities, Department of Psychology, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang, Singapore
6 Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada

* Corresponding author email address: [email protected]

A r t i c l e I n f o A B S T R A C T
Article type: Objective: This study aims to explore the role of sports in promoting social
Original Paper inclusion and health within marginalized communities.
Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing
How to cite this article: semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights from participants.
Karstensen, V., Piskorz-Ryń, O., Karna, W., Individuals from various marginalized communities, including ethnic minorities,
Lee, A., Neo, X. S., & Gottschlich, D. (2024). low-income groups, and those with disabilities, were purposefully sampled. Data
The Role of Sports in Promoting Social
collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, with interviews
Inclusion and Health in Marginalized
being transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software. A thematic
Communities. International Journal of Sport
Studies for Health, 7(3), 41-48. analysis approach was used to identify and categorize recurring themes and
http://dx.doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.7.3.6 patterns in the data.
Results: The study identified three main themes: social inclusion, health and
well-being, and personal development and growth. Participants reported that
sports participation significantly enhanced their social networks, community
© 2024 the authors. Published by KMAN cohesion, and broke down social barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and
Publication Inc. (KMANPUB), Ontario, empowerment. Physical health benefits included improved fitness and reduced
Canada. This is an open access article under the
chronic diseases, while mental health improvements encompassed stress relief,
terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-
anxiety reduction, and mood enhancement. Sports also facilitated personal
NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC
4.0) License. development by fostering leadership skills, teamwork, and providing educational
and career opportunities.
Conclusion: Sports play a crucial role in promoting social inclusion and health
within marginalized communities. The findings underscore the multifaceted
benefits of sports participation, including enhanced social connections,
improved physical and mental health, and personal empowerment. The study
suggests that increasing access to inclusive sports programs and addressing
barriers to participation can further amplify these benefits.

Article history:
Received 03 April 2024
Revised 10 June 2024
Accepted 17 June 2024
Published online 01 July 2024
 Karstensen et al. International Journal of Sport Studies for Health, 2024, VOL. 7, NO. 3, 41-48

Keywords: Social inclusion, health, marginalized communities, sports participation,

qualitative research, mental health, community cohesion, personal development.

1. Introduction social connections, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve

quality of life for older individuals (11).
S port has long been recognized as a chief component of
physical activity that contributes significantly to both
The health benefits of sports extend beyond physical
fitness to include mental and emotional well-being. Hughes
individual health and social well-being (1-5). The benefits of et al. (2020) detail the Australian Institute of Sport
sports participation are well-documented in the literature. framework for rebooting sports in a COVID-19
Eather et al. (2023) highlight the positive impact of sports on environment, emphasizing the need for safe and structured
mental health and social outcomes in adults, proposing a sports activities to support both physical and mental health
conceptual model termed "mental health through sport." during the pandemic. This framework highlights the
This model illustrates how engagement in sports can lead to adaptability of sports programs to meet emerging health
improved mental health through mechanisms such as challenges and underscores their importance in maintaining
increased social interaction, enhanced self-esteem, and community health (12).
stress relief (6). Similarly, Eime et al. (2013) provide a Toffoletti and Palmer (2016) discuss new approaches to
systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of studying the role of sports among Muslim women,
sports for children and adolescents, suggesting that sports illustrating how sports can challenge cultural norms,
participation fosters psychological resilience, social skills, promote gender equality, and improve health outcomes.
and overall well-being in younger populations (7). Their work highlights the intersection of sports, culture, and
In marginalized communities, where access to healthcare health, and the potential of sports to serve as a catalyst for
and social resources may be limited, sports can serve as a social change and empowerment (13).
critical intervention for promoting health and social Understanding the mechanisms through which sports
inclusion. Jeanes (2024) underscores the role of informal promote health and social inclusion requires robust
sports in public health, particularly in Australia, theoretical frameworks. Beacom (2013) offers a critical
demonstrating that sports can bridge gaps in formal sociology of sport for development and peace, proposing
healthcare services by promoting physical activity and social that sports can be a tool for social change and conflict
cohesion at the community level (8). Additionally, Zhu and resolution (14). This perspective aligns with Veken,
Zhao (2021) discuss the health system framework for Lauwerier, and Willems (2020), who present a program
community sports, emphasizing the functional orientation of theory on how community sport programs can improve
sports in enhancing community health outcomes (9). health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Their model
Social inclusion involves creating environments where suggests that community sports programs can enhance social
individuals feel valued, respected, and able to contribute capital, provide psychosocial support, and improve physical
meaningfully to their communities. Sports can serve as a health through structured and inclusive activities (15).
powerful tool for achieving social inclusion by breaking The impact of sports on marginalized communities
down social barriers and fostering a sense of belonging. cannot be overstated. Sports provide a unique avenue for
Sherry (2010) examines the impact of the Homeless World addressing various social determinants of health, including
Cup, illustrating how sports can re-engage marginalized social isolation, economic disparities, and limited access to
groups, such as the homeless, by providing them with a healthcare. By fostering social connections, promoting
platform to showcase their skills, build confidence, and physical activity, and offering psychosocial support, sports
connect with others (10). can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals
The role of sports in promoting social inclusion is in these communities (16-20). In summary, this study aims
particularly significant for older adults. Stenner, Buckley, to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the role of
and Mosewich (2020) review the reasons why older adults sports in promoting social inclusion and health, particularly
participate in sports, highlighting benefits such as in marginalized communities. By synthesizing insights from
maintaining physical health, social engagement, and various studies and applying a qualitative research
psychological well-being. Similarly, Jenkin et al. (2018) methodology, this research seeks to provide a
explore the benefits and barriers of sports participation for comprehensive understanding of the benefits of sports
adults aged 50 and above, noting that sports can enhance participation and the mechanisms through which these

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benefits are realized. The findings underscore the Interviews were conducted in a setting convenient for the
importance of continued investment in sports programs as a participants, such as community centers or their homes, to
means of enhancing health and social outcomes for ensure comfort and openness. Each interview lasted
vulnerable populations. approximately 60 to 90 minutes and was audio-recorded
with the participants' consent.
2. Methods and Materials
2.3 Data Analysis
2.1 Study Design and Participants
The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the data
This qualitative research aimed to explore the role of
were analyzed using NVivo software, a qualitative data
sports in promoting social inclusion and health in
analysis tool. The analysis followed a thematic approach,
marginalized communities. The study utilized semi-
where recurring themes and patterns were identified across
structured interviews to gather in-depth insights from
the interviews. The process involved several steps:
participants, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of
Familiarization: Researchers thoroughly read through the
their experiences and perspectives. The approach was
transcripts to become familiar with the data.
designed to be flexible and adaptive, ensuring that the data
Coding: Initial codes were generated from the data,
collected were rich and detailed.
capturing significant features related to the research
The study focused on individuals from various
questions.
marginalized communities, including but not limited to
Theme Development: Codes were then grouped into
ethnic minorities, low-income groups, and individuals with
potential themes, which were reviewed and refined to ensure
disabilities. Participants were recruited through community
they accurately reflected the data.
centers, sports clubs, and local organizations that serve these
Reviewing Themes: Themes were checked against the
populations. Purposeful sampling was employed to ensure a
data to confirm their validity and coherence.
diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
Defining and Naming Themes: Final themes were clearly
defined and named, providing a structured framework for
2.2 Data Collection
reporting the findings.
Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, The principle of theoretical saturation was applied to
which allowed participants to freely express their thoughts determine the sample size. Data collection continued until
while providing some structure to guide the conversation. no new themes or insights were emerging from the
The interview guide included open-ended questions interviews, indicating that theoretical saturation had been
designed to explore participants' experiences with sports, reached. This ensured that the data were sufficiently rich and
their perceptions of social inclusion, and the impact of sports comprehensive to address the research objectives.
on their health. Examples of questions included:
- Can you describe your experience with participating 3. Findings and Results
in sports activities?
While the potential benefits of implicit learning for
- How has being involved in sports affected your sense
football performance under pressure are emerging (21), the
of community and social inclusion?
underlying mechanisms that enable these benefits remain an
- In what ways, if any, has participation in sports
area of ongoing research. In this context, we explore some
influenced your health and well-being?
of the theorized pathways through which implicit learning
might enhance performance in high-pressure situations.

Table 1. The Results of Qualitative Analysis

Categories (Main Themes) Subcategories (Subthemes) Concepts (Open Codes)

1. Social Inclusion Building Social Networks Community engagement, Friendships, Support systems
Enhancing Community Cohesion Shared goals, Collective identity, Local pride
Breaking Social Barriers Cross-cultural interactions, Inclusion of minorities, Reducing stereotypes
Empowerment and Self-esteem Confidence building, Sense of belonging, Personal growth
Access to Resources Equal opportunities, Accessibility of sports facilities, Financial support
2. Health and Well-being Physical Health Benefits Improved fitness, Reduced chronic diseases, Enhanced physical skills

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Mental Health Improvements Stress relief, Anxiety reduction, Improved mood

Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Regular exercise, Nutrition awareness, Substance abuse prevention
Rehabilitation and Recovery Injury recovery, Mental health support, Chronic illness management
Social Support Networks Peer support, Mentorship, Family involvement
Psychological Resilience Coping strategies, Emotional regulation, Stress management
3. Personal Development and Growth Skill Development Leadership skills, Teamwork, Strategic thinking
Educational Opportunities Scholarships, Academic performance, Learning new sports
Career Opportunities Sports careers, Networking, Job skills
Personal Empowerment Self-discipline, Goal setting, Overcoming challenges
Positive Role Models Mentors, Inspirational figures, Community leaders

3.1 Social Inclusion 3.2 Health and Well-being

Building Social Networks: Participation in sports was Physical Health Benefits: Engagement in sports
found to significantly enhance social networks within significantly improved physical health among participants,
marginalized communities. Participants highlighted the with notable improvements in fitness and reduction of
importance of community engagement and the formation of chronic diseases. Enhanced physical skills were also
friendships through sports activities. One interviewee reported. One participant remarked, "Regular participation
mentioned, "I never felt so connected to my neighbors until in sports has kept my diabetes in check and improved my
we started playing football together every weekend." The overall fitness."
development of support systems through these networks was Mental Health Improvements: Sports activities provided
also emphasized. a substantial boost to mental health, aiding in stress relief
Enhancing Community Cohesion: Sports activities and anxiety reduction. Improved mood was a common
fostered a sense of collective identity and local pride, benefit. An interviewee reflected, "Playing sports is my
contributing to stronger community cohesion. Shared goals escape; it helps me clear my mind and reduces my stress
within teams helped bridge individual differences and unify levels."
members. A participant noted, "Our community team has Healthy Lifestyle Promotion: Participation in sports
brought us closer; we celebrate each other's victories and encouraged the adoption of healthy lifestyles, including
support each other in losses." regular exercise and better nutrition awareness. Substance
Breaking Social Barriers: Sports played a crucial role in abuse prevention was another positive outcome. "Being part
breaking down social barriers and promoting cross-cultural of a sports team has taught me the importance of staying fit
interactions. Inclusion of minorities and reducing and eating healthy," shared a participant.
stereotypes were commonly reported outcomes. One Rehabilitation and Recovery: Sports were instrumental in
interviewee shared, "Playing sports with people from aiding injury recovery and supporting mental health.
different backgrounds has made me more open and Participants noted benefits in managing chronic illnesses
accepting." through sports. "After my surgery, sports were my lifeline;
Empowerment and Self-esteem: Involvement in sports they helped me regain my strength," said one participant.
activities boosted personal growth, self-esteem, and a sense Social Support Networks: Sports provided robust social
of belonging among participants. Confidence building was a support networks, including peer support, mentorship, and
recurring theme, with one participant stating, "Sports have family involvement. These networks played a crucial role in
given me the confidence to face challenges in other areas of participants' overall well-being. "The support from my
my life." teammates and coach has been invaluable, both on and off
Access to Resources: Ensuring equal opportunities and the field," mentioned one interviewee.
access to sports facilities was vital for promoting social Psychological Resilience: Participation in sports
inclusion. Participants highlighted the need for financial enhanced psychological resilience, helping participants
support to make sports accessible to all. "Without the develop coping strategies, emotional regulation, and stress
community fund, I wouldn't be able to afford the equipment management skills. One participant stated, "Sports taught me
needed to participate," said one participant. how to handle pressure and bounce back from setbacks."

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3.3 Personal Development and Growth Sherry's (2010) findings on the Homeless World Cup, where
sports re-engaged homeless individuals by fostering a sense
Skill Development: Sports activities were pivotal in
of belonging and community (10).
developing essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork,
Enhancing community cohesion was another critical
and strategic thinking. Participants frequently cited these
outcome. Participants spoke of shared goals and collective
skills as beneficial in other areas of their lives. "Leading my
identity, which helped unify community members. This
team has improved my leadership skills immensely," said
echoes Jeanes' (2024) observations on informal sports in
one participant.
Australia, where communal sports activities bridged social
Educational Opportunities: Involvement in sports opened
gaps and promoted cohesion (8). By breaking down social
up educational opportunities, including scholarships and
barriers, sports facilitated cross-cultural interactions and
improved academic performance. Learning new sports also
reduced stereotypes, reinforcing findings from Stenner,
contributed to participants' educational growth. One
Buckley, and Mosewich (2020) on the social benefits of
participant shared, "Thanks to my sports scholarship, I can
sports for older adults (11).
now pursue my studies without financial worries."
Health and Well-being: The physical health benefits of
Career Opportunities: Participation in sports created
sports participation, such as improved fitness and reduced
career opportunities, either directly through sports careers or
chronic diseases, were widely reported. Participants noted
indirectly by developing job skills and networking. "Being
enhancements in physical skills and overall health, aligning
active in sports has expanded my professional network and
with the Australian Institute of Sport framework discussed
opened up job opportunities," mentioned a participant.
by Hughes et al. (2020), which highlighted the importance
Personal Empowerment: Sports empowered individuals
of structured sports activities in maintaining health during
by fostering self-discipline, goal setting, and the ability to
the COVID-19 pandemic (12).
overcome challenges. Participants reported feeling more in
Mental health improvements were also significant, with
control of their lives. "Setting and achieving goals in sports
participants citing stress relief, anxiety reduction, and
has translated into setting and achieving goals in my
improved mood as key benefits. This supports the "mental
personal life," noted one interviewee.
health through sport" model by Eather et al. (2023), which
Positive Role Models: The presence of mentors and
outlines how sports can enhance mental well-being through
inspirational figures within sports communities provided
social interaction and increased self-esteem (6).
positive role models for participants. Community leaders
Personal Development: Sports participation also
often emerged from these interactions, further strengthening
facilitated personal development and growth, with
the community. "My coach has been a role model for me,
participants developing leadership skills, teamwork, and
teaching me valuable life lessons," shared one participant.
strategic thinking. These findings are in line with Jenkin et
al. (2018), who noted similar benefits for adults aged 50 and
4. Discussion and Conclusion
above. The educational and career opportunities provided by
The findings from this study highlight the significant role sports, as reported by participants, further underscore the
that sports play in promoting social inclusion and health role of sports in personal empowerment and development
within marginalized communities. Through semi-structured (22). This is supported by Toffoletti and Palmer (2016), who
interviews, participants shared their experiences, illustrating highlighted how sports can challenge cultural norms and
how sports participation fostered social networks, enhanced promote gender equality, providing avenues for personal and
community cohesion, and broke down social barriers. These professional growth (13).
outcomes align with the conceptual models proposed by The results of this study are consistent with previous
Eather et al. (2023) and Eime et al. (2013), which emphasize research, reinforcing the broad benefits of sports
the psychosocial benefits of sports engagement (6, 7). participation across various demographic groups and
Social Inclusion: The development of social networks contexts. For instance, Eime et al. (2013) and Eather et al.
through sports was a prominent theme, with participants (2023) both emphasize the psychological and social benefits
reporting increased community engagement and the of sports for children, adolescents, and adults. These benefits
formation of supportive friendships. These social include improved mental health, increased social interaction,
connections are crucial for marginalized individuals who and enhanced self-esteem, all of which were echoed by
may otherwise experience isolation. This is consistent with participants in this study (6, 7).

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Furthermore, the role of sports in promoting social studies that track participants over time could offer valuable
inclusion, as highlighted by Sherry (2010) and Jeanes insights into the long-term benefits and challenges of sports
(2024), is evident in the experiences of marginalized participation.
individuals who reported feeling more connected and Research should also focus on exploring the experiences
engaged within their communities through sports activities of different marginalized groups, including those based on
(10). The reduction of social barriers and the promotion of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disability, to ensure a
cross-cultural interactions observed in this study align with more inclusive understanding of the role of sports in
the findings of Stenner, Buckley, and Mosewich (2020), who promoting social inclusion and health. Investigating the
noted similar outcomes among older adults (11). specific barriers that prevent certain groups from
In terms of health benefits, the physical and mental health participating in sports and developing targeted interventions
improvements reported by participants corroborate the to address these barriers would be particularly beneficial.
findings of Hughes et al. (2020) and Zhu and Zhao (2021), Moreover, future studies should consider the potential
who discussed the health system framework for community negative aspects of sports participation, such as the risk of
sports and the role of sports in maintaining health during the injury, the impact of competitive stress, and the potential for
pandemic (9, 12). The educational and career opportunities exclusion within sports environments. Understanding these
facilitated by sports participation, as highlighted by challenges and developing strategies to mitigate them is
Toffoletti and Palmer (2016), further underscore the crucial for maximizing the benefits of sports participation for
multifaceted benefits of sports for personal development and all individuals.
empowerment (13). Based on the findings of this study, several practical
While this study provides valuable insights into the role recommendations can be made to enhance the role of sports
of sports in promoting social inclusion and health in in promoting social inclusion and health within marginalized
marginalized communities, it is not without limitations. The communities. First, increasing access to sports facilities and
qualitative nature of the research, while rich in detail, may programs is essential. This includes providing financial
limit the generalizability of the findings. The sample size, support to individuals who may not afford participation costs
determined by theoretical saturation, was relatively small and ensuring that sports facilities are accessible to people
and may not fully capture the diversity of experiences within with disabilities.
different marginalized groups. Additionally, the reliance on Community-based sports programs should be designed to
self-reported data from participants introduces the potential be inclusive and welcoming to all individuals, regardless of
for bias, as individuals may have varying perceptions and their background or ability. This can be achieved by
interpretations of their experiences. promoting diversity within sports teams, providing training
Another limitation is the focus on semi-structured for coaches on inclusive practices, and creating safe spaces
interviews as the sole method of data collection. While this where individuals feel valued and respected.
approach allowed for in-depth exploration of participants' Programs should also focus on the broader benefits of
experiences, it did not provide the opportunity to triangulate sports participation, beyond physical fitness. This includes
data with other methods such as focus groups or incorporating mental health support, educational
observational studies, which could have enriched the opportunities, and career development into sports programs.
findings. Moreover, the study did not extensively explore the For example, offering workshops on stress management,
potential negative aspects of sports participation, such as the nutrition, and leadership skills can enhance the overall
risk of injury or the pressure to perform, which could provide impact of sports participation on individuals' lives.
a more balanced view of the impact of sports on Collaboration between sports organizations, healthcare
marginalized communities. providers, and community groups is crucial for creating a
Future research should aim to address these limitations by supportive network that can address the diverse needs of
employing a mixed-methods approach that combines marginalized individuals. By working together, these
qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. This organizations can develop comprehensive programs that
could include larger-scale surveys to complement the promote physical and mental health, social inclusion, and
detailed insights gained from interviews, providing a more personal development through sports.
comprehensive understanding of the impact of sports on In conclusion, sports play a vital role in promoting social
marginalized communities. Additionally, longitudinal inclusion and health in marginalized communities. By

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addressing the limitations of current research and Not applicable.

implementing practical recommendations, we can enhance
the positive impact of sports and ensure that its benefits are
accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background
or circumstances. This study contributes to a growing body
of evidence that underscores the importance of sports as a References
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