From evaluator to insider: an academic's guide to managing sport for development programmes

Abstract

The field of sport for development (SFD) has seen progress and growth over the few past decades, yet there remains an apparent lack of coordination between programmes; a feeling that individual organizations exist apart from others doing similar work. In advancing this important conversation, our goal is to share a case study of an SFD programme as well as a framework that has been developed over the years and guides what we do. As academics engaged in the applied work of SFD, we feel that we bring another dimension to programming, from a theoretical and evaluative standpoint. Building in practical and theoretical forms of evaluation, fostering integrative cultural experiences and cultivating programme sustainability are three essential elements to building successful SFD initiatives. Our hope is that by sharing this framework, others will continue to share best practices so that we can all make our work in SFD more meaningful.