Human resource development for community development: lessons from a sport‐for‐development program in rural India

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the application of human resources systems and practices in a sport‐for‐development program for community development. Using a qualitative research approach, this study collected a series of data over a period of 24 months in a rural community setting in India. This article reveals that inputs such as soccer peer‐coaching knowledge and opportunities for training not only develop coaching and playing skills and abilities but also can create a socially cohesive space to foster individual, group and community capacity building for improved sport‐for‐development program outcomes. Using social movement theory, this article illustrates that soccer peer‐coaching knowledge can be an enabler in recruiting, training and incentivising participants and volunteer coaches for social action. This article provides a practical and theoretical understanding of using knowledge, skills and abilities to mobilise individuals and assist in the delivery of a sustainable sport‐for‐development program in a community setting.