Community Sport
Community sport plays a vital role in bringing people together, promoting physical health, and fostering social connections. Explore resources that support local programs, and encourage participation across all ages and abilities.
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Top 10 resources
- Policy Framework for Recreation in Canada
- Long Term Athlete Development Model
- SIRCuit Article: Leveling the playing field: Accessibility in youth basketball
- SIRC Article: Schools play a key role in supporting youth physical activity
- SIRCuit Article: Taking Action: Community Sport Organizations and Social Responsibility
- SCRI Panel: Trending topics in youth sport
- SIRCuit Article Building Capacity in Community Sport Organizations
- SIRCuit Article: Giving Due Deliberation to Masters Athletes: The Time has Come
- Power of Sport: The True Sport Report 2022
- SCRI Keynote: Punching above our weight – The balance is better journey of culture change in New Zealand Aotearoa
Featured resource
Patti Millar, University of Windsor
Featured resource
University of Sherbrooke and SIRC
Featured resource
SIRC and Queen's University
Quick Facts
What is community sport?
Community sport refers to organized physical activities that take place within a local community and are accessible to people of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. These activities are typically non-competitive or recreational and are designed to promote health, social interaction, and community engagement.
They are often organized by local clubs, schools, recreational centers, or community groups and can include a wide range of activities such as youth soccer leagues, adult basketball games, swimming lessons, and fitness classes. The focus is on participation, enjoyment, and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
What are the benefits of participating in community sport?
The benefits that contribute to individual well-being, social cohesion, and overall community health include:
- Physical Health: Can improve cardiovascular health, enhances strength and endurance, and helps in maintaining a healthy weight.
- Mental Health: Can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and provide an opportunity for social interaction, which can improve mental well-being.
- Social Inclusion: Can foster a sense of belonging and inclusion by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, building relationships and strengthening community bonds.
- Skill Development: Helps individuals develop physical skills, teamwork, leadership, and discipline, which can be beneficial in other areas of life.
- Youth Development: For young people, it can offer an outlet for energy, teaching important life skills, and providing positive role models.
- Community Engagement: Events and activities encourage volunteerism, local pride, and community spirit, contributing to a more connected and supportive community.
- Economic Benefits: Can boost local economies by attracting visitors, creating jobs, and promoting local businesses through events and activities.
How does community sport support youth development?
It plays a vital role in youth development by providing a structured environment for learning teamwork, discipline, leadership, and resilience. It also promotes healthy lifestyles and positive social interactions. Through regular participation, young people gain valuable life skills, build self-esteem, and develop a strong sense of community, which contributes to their overall growth and future success.
What is the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model?
The Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework is designed to guide the development of athletes from early childhood through to adulthood. It outlines specific stages to optimize training, competition, and recovery according to the age and development of the athlete. The stages are:
- Active Start
- FUNdamentals
- Learn to Train
- Train to Train
- Train to Compete
- Train to Win
- Active for Life
The LTAD ensures that athletes develop their skills and physical abilities at the appropriate pace, reducing the risk of burnout and injury. By emphasizing age-appropriate development and long-term progression, the LTAD model supports sustainable growth and peak performance in sports.
Video Resources
Comparison of the determining factors in adopting the LTAD model for Canadian athletes among coaches from various sport disciplines
- University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières and SIRC
- 2014
Concussion prevention in youth ice hockey: Collaborations between researchers and community partners
- University of Calgary, Hockey Calgary, and SIRC
- 2024
Leveraging Parasport Events for Sustainable Community Participation
- Western University, Mount Royal University, University of West Scotland, Invictus Games Toronto, Sport Canada, University of Ottawa, and SIRC
- 2017
Sport Participation Research Initiative: 10 years in review
- Laurentian University and SIRC
- 2017
Driving Change Spotlight: Kyle McFarlane
- Golf Ontario and SIRC
- 2023
Amy T Blodgett
- Laurentian University and SIRC
- 2013
Knowledge Nuggets
knowledge nuggets
Exercising after a concussion
It used to be that after a concussion, athletes were encouraged to rest until they no longer had any symptoms, but this is no longer
It used to be that after a concussion, athletes were encouraged to rest until they no longer had any symptoms, but this is no longer the case. Research continues to highlight that returning to safe physical activity in the first few days after a concussion can reduce a person’s chances of experiencing prolonged concussion symptoms.
knowledge nuggets
Girls only sport spaces
Girls who are part of marginalized groups often miss out on sports, posing a big challenge for inclusion. A recent study found that much of
Girls who are part of marginalized groups often miss out on sports, posing a big challenge for inclusion. A recent study found that much of the hesitancy to join sports comes from patriarchal norms and shyness. Promoting girls only sports with female coaches may lead to better rates of sport participation.
knowledge nuggets
Tailoring sport psychology services for masters athletes
Research focused on mental performance consultants shows that adult-oriented sport psychology services can be an important support for Masters athletes. Interviews with 10 Canadian professionals
Research focused on mental performance consultants shows that adult-oriented sport psychology services can be an important support for Masters athletes. Interviews with 10 Canadian professionals revealed the importance of tailoring content to performance readiness, balancing priorities, preserving enjoyment, and addressing age-related challenges.
knowledge nuggets
Empowering parents to enhance youth sport experiences
Parents shape youth sports by providing support, but misunderstandings can lead to negative behaviors. Research suggests that sports organizations should view parents as resources, encouraging
Parents shape youth sports by providing support, but misunderstandings can lead to negative behaviors. Research suggests that sports organizations should view parents as resources, encouraging feedback, mentorship, and collaboration to enhance athlete experiences.
knowledge nuggets
Benefits of pre-exercise stretching
Regular stretching is common among athletes as an injury prevention and warm up method. A recent study finds that regularly stretching before exercising and sticking
Regular stretching is common among athletes as an injury prevention and warm up method. A recent study finds that regularly stretching before exercising and sticking to a routine can lower the chances of muscular or tendon injuries, especially in sports like running. Additionally, regular stretching may even improve balance and lower the risk of falling.
knowledge nuggets
Gender, settler colonialism, and sport in Indigenous communities
Have you ever considered the dynamics between gender, settler colonialism, and sport within Indigenous communities? For instance, lacrosse, once a traditional Indigenous practice, was adopted
Have you ever considered the dynamics between gender, settler colonialism, and sport within Indigenous communities? For instance, lacrosse, once a traditional Indigenous practice, was adopted by white settlers, altering its cultural significance. Gendered expectations within settler colonial institutions, like residential schools, have also enforced ideals that impact Indigenous women’s participation in sports like lacrosse. To create inclusive sport spaces, it’s important to not only recognize Indigenous culture and challenge colonial structures, but also to prioritize gender inclusivity.
knowledge nuggets
Rethinking growth in youth sport
In the world of youth sports, we often hear how playing teaches important life skills. But focusing solely on practical outcomes overlooks the deeper, personal
In the world of youth sports, we often hear how playing teaches important life skills. But focusing solely on practical outcomes overlooks the deeper, personal growth that happens. Looking at sports through a different lens, one that values individual growth and the journey of ‘becoming’, can uncover new ways young athletes learn and grow, offering practical insights for coaches and parents alike.
knowledge nuggets
The impact of mental toughness on sport performance
Does mental toughness make a difference in sport performance? This review dove into research and found that athletes with higher mental toughness consistently perform better,
Does mental toughness make a difference in sport performance? This review dove into research and found that athletes with higher mental toughness consistently perform better, especially in combat and individual sports.
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