This report, supported by Sport England, includes a partnership collaboration study between Manchester Metropolitan University and five Active Partnerships (AP) in the north of England. The project reviews existing literature and information surrounding Covid-19 and the effect this had on motivation changes, behaviours and societal challenges facing the sport and physical activity sector.
One of the aims of the research is to understand current and evolving patterns of sport and physical activity participation, behaviour and impacts on delivery systems due to Covid-19. Another aim is to explore the direct and indirect impacts of changes in attitudes, beliefs and opinions towards sport and physical activity. The final key aim of the research is to examine potential policy and practice implications around BAME, lower socio-economic groups and gender inequalities from changes in sport and physical activity delivery and opportunities.
The report makes core recommendations which are underpinned by a participatory co-creation approach such as a new research baseline for ‘what works’ to shape sector understanding and to specifically understand deprivation and social inequalities as causes of disconnection from the sport and physical activity system amplified during the pandemic.