This three year research project was conducted by Monash Education in collaboration with Victoria University, Swinburne University and Curtin University and in partnership with the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Australian Football League (AFL) and Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY). The research focuses on how different forms of diversity are understood, experienced and managed by junior sports participants within the context and social network of their club and sport. The aim is to provide a research basis for targeted programs that help clubs be inclusive and respond to changing and diverse needs.
Conducted in four phases involving hundreds of participants and 9 clubs in total, the findings indicate that the club culture and broader social environment is highly influential in the experience these groups will have in club sports. Indeed, the specific local needs of clubs are often the drivers for change, for example, the need to implement strategies that respond to high numbers of newly arrived migrants.
Ultimately, the research suggests that there is no clear definition of diversity from lead organisations so clubs tend to consider and act on individual and contextual needs and demands. Most clubs recognise the benefits of diversity, however, the findings reveal a tension between the promotion of diversity and inclusion on the one hand, and the focus on performance on the other hand. Clubs have limited resources and may see diversity as peripheral to, or diverting resources from, its core business.
Project impact: The outcomes of this research are ongoing collaboration with participant clubs, working with VicHealth and other partners on developing educational resources for clubs, being involved in organising a National Forum showcasing innovative work in this space and subsequently disseminating the findings.
