Using Youth Sport to Enhance Parents' Sense of Community: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Sport is frequently cited as one of the few realms that consistently promotes a collective social experience and ultimately, a sense of community (Armstrong & Giulianotti, 1997). Considering that recent research has noted the fragmentation and isolation of individuals in US society, sport has the potential to play a key role in reversing these detrimental trends that negatively impact individuals? life quality. Sport, however, does not instantaneously build community. It is only through appropriate management that sport has the potential to foster a sense of community (SOC). Due to the popularity and role of both parents and children, youth sport is an ideal site in which to garner information on how sport can better cultivate community. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to utilize a multi-method approach to examine and understand the elements within a youth sport program that foster a SOC for parents and how this in turns impacts both the parent?s and the child?s sport experience. This research will advance sport management theory in both the areas of youth sport and community building while concomitantly having an immediate impact on sport management practice within the targeted program.

Scholars @ ECU