Diversity in participation reigns, policy challenges ahead: Sport for all (ages) from a European perspective

Abstract

Sport for All has been a major concern in sport policies in many European countries since the 1960s and 1970s. It continues to be on the agenda until today, even though the perspective has somewhat changed, as a growing emphasis on both health-enhancing physical activity and elite sport can be observed. In this chapter, we explore sport participation in Europe. We start off by discussing different representations of the organisation of sports in Europe. The so-called ‘church model’ is presented, which provides an alternative to the more traditional pyramid, but highly hierarchical representation of the ‘European sports model’. This first, conceptual section is followed by a presentation of empirical findings on sport participation in Europe. Analyses are based on the Eurobarometer, a large-scale repeated cross-sectional survey issued by the European Commission to inform policies, and conducted in all 28 member states of the European Union. The findings indicate that there are large differences in terms of sport participation throughout Europe. Both a geographical divide as well as a social divide can be observed. The chapter ends with a discussion of the findings that explores what brings about the identified differences. The large variety in terms of sport policy, organisation and provision within Europe, and the influence of societal values and cultural preferences outside the realm of sport are key explanatory factors. It is concluded that sport remains the outcome of processes of social differentiation and social inequality.