KEY FACTORS FOR PARTICIPATION OF 'SPORT WALES' TARGET AUDIENCE IN THE '5X60' INITIATIVE AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WITHIN A SECONDARY SCHOOL.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate and identify the key factors that attract and engage 'Sport Wales' target audience (those less likely to participate) to the '5x60' initiative and extra curricular activities run within a secondary school. The findings of the study could be beneficial to the '5x60' initiative but also for Physical Education departments as they try and encourage and attract their pupils and those who fall within the 'Sport Wales' target audience category to participate in regular physical activity. The qualitative research’ data collection took place in January 2012 and was based in a Welsh language medium secondary (n=800 pupils) located in South Wales, the selected school was chosen as it gained the highest '5x60' participation figures in the county. Four exemplar case studies were carefully selected after assessing the attendance registers and discussions held with the school '5x60' officer and head of Physical Education department. The four case studies were interviewed regarding topics such as their involvement and opinion of the '5x60' clubs and their previous experience of physical activity. From the four case study interviews there were a number of themes and factors that became apparent through the transcripts completed after the interviews. Three factors became very apparent in each of the four case studies individual interviews however: The impact of compulsory physical activity uniform on participation, the role and approach of the '5x60' officer and the role and the impact that parents can have on participation levels. Through targeting the three key factors that 'Sport Wales' target audience identified themselves as have a major influence on their and others’ participation physical activity levels of young people could be increased.