An investigation into the impact of a sport intervention in three London secondary schools

Abstract

Sports interventions programmes for children have gained popularity in recent years as a response to a number of welfare issues, including rising levels of obesity, declining fitness, academic attainment and delinquent behaviour. Faith in sport to address these different issues indicates that it is seen as an expedient ‘cure all’ solution. However, despite calls for evidence, few studies have addressed the impact of a programme on children’s health, fitness and well-being. This study investigates the impact of a sport intervention programme called “Move It” on (n = 785) participants (11-14 years of age) attending 3 secondary schools in inner city London between 2004 and 2007. Various measures were undertaken to monitor health, fitness, and self-evaluated self-esteem, academic attainment and behaviour. In addition, Case Study was used to understand more about a programme’s implementation at a particular school and to uncover any features that were not apparent in the earlier analysis. Results indicated that, over three years, there was no conclusive evidence of positive outcomes to health, fitness, and self-evaluated self-esteem, academic attainment and behaviour. Moreover the level of engagement of a school was not found to have an impact on quantitative outcomes. However, Case Study evidence indicated that a programme can be managed toward outcomes specifically targeted by the school, such as creating personal development avenues, opportunities for pupils, and improving social cohesion. Findings are discussed with respect to theoretical and policy developments and recommendations for future research are offered.