Getting into the Game: Understanding the Evidence for Child-Focused Sport for Development

Getting into the Game: Understanding the Evidence for Child-Focused Sport for Development

Research led by UNICEF and Barça Foundation has revealed that participation in sport improves children’s educational attainment and skills development including empowerment, leadership and self-esteem, contributing to their overall well-being and future prospects. The study called “Getting into the Game: Understanding the Evidence for Child-Focused Sport for Development” features global research literature and data from more than 300 sport for development (S4D) programmes in 100 countries. The report was commissioned by the Barça Foundation and carried out by a research team at UNICEF’s Office of Research – Innocenti.

Highlights from the report include:

• Successful sport for development initiatives involve multi-sectoral cooperation, such as the inclusion of education and social components.
• Coaches play a critical role in safeguarding children and mitigating possible negative influences.
• There is little evidence to suggest involvement in sport reduces a child’s risk of abuse and exploitation.. In fact, when not done well, there are indications that some sports can increase exposure to violence.
• Better evidence is needed for the monitoring of sport for development initiatives, including more research on effective implementation.
• More meaningful child participation in programme design and evidence building is needed.

In a second phase, the researchers will test the report recommendations in programmes, including at UNICEF projects funded by FC Barcelona in Brazil, China, Ghana and South Africa, as well as projects in countries affected by conflict or disaster.

Download the report below