What does it take for football and team sports to actually contribute to social cohesion?
This is precisely the question that Karen Petry, Laura van Zantvoort and Kaija Ruck explored in a comprehensive literature review commissioned by the DFL Foundation.
The findings paint a nuanced picture: team sports can enhance well-being, foster social skills and promote cohesion. However, this does not happen automatically!
Key factors include the quality of educational support, a respectful and inclusive environment, and clearly defined structures and objectives.
Our analysis brings together the current state of international research and highlights the conditions that must be met for sport to truly realise its social potential. In doing so, it provides an important foundation for the evidence-based development of programmes in sport, education and social work.
We are delighted that this publication contributes to a more objective debate and provides impetus for practice, policy and research.
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