Evaluating the relationship between physical education, sport and social inclusion

Abstract

Focusing upon the recent policy context within the UK, this paper offers a review of the evidence related to the outcomes of the participation of children and young people in curricular physical education and sport. Particular attention is paid to potential contributions that such activities can make towards social inclusion and the development of social capital. The review suggests that there are some areas for which there is a considerable amount of evidence in favour of a positive relationship with participation in these activities (such as physical and mental health), and others for which further research remains necessary (such as cognitive and academic development, crime reduction, truancy and disaffection). In general, however, it is evident that much more empirical research is necessary if the benefits of sporting participation for young people and society are to become much more than a theoretical aspiration.