| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 322283 | Evaluation and Program Planning | 2012 | 12 Pages |
Sport for Development has many reported benefits, but quantitative evidence of the impact of these interventions in Low Income Countries remains sparse. A new monitoring and evaluation toolkit was used in a cross-sectional survey at Moving the Goalposts (MTG), a football project aiming to empower young Kenyan women. We wished to determine empirically whether increased membership duration brought increased benefits. MTG selected and translated toolkit items consistent with the organisation's strategic aims. We collected 333 completed questionnaires at 15 sites. Psychometric validation revealed some reliable scales; remaining items were scored separately. Scores were sensitive to differences between members defined by sociodemographic and site characteristics. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses showed that increased membership duration brought increasing benefits across several domains (perceived lifeskills; social life; insights about HIV/AIDS; outcomes related to female empowerment). Improved leadership skills were mainly age-related. Members attending more established sites experienced greater benefits, but members at more and less accessible sites benefitted similarly. Positive thoughts and feelings were related not to membership duration, but to how long a site had been operating. This indicates the importance of creating a positive culture over time. This cross-sectional study provides quantitative evidence for the benefits of Sport for Development initiatives.
► Moving the Goalposts ran a member survey using the Laureus Monitoring and Evaluation toolkit. ► Members were more positive about themselves and their project with increased membership duration. ► This finding adds to the mounting body of evidence for the benefits of Sport for Development. ► Greater benefit was gained at more established sites, showing the need for sustainable programmes. ► The toolkit is useful for programme planning as well as research in the sector.
