Factors that affect the participation of females aged between 16 to 18 from a black and ethnic minority group within a local sporting community in Cardiff

Abstract

In recent years there has been an increase of BME groups integrating into society within the UK. Previous research shows sport and physical activity helps integration into a community and reduces social exclusion. However, there is limited research that looks into factors that affect participation in BME teenage girls living in a western society. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of young females living in Cardiff and their attitudes towards sport and physical activity. The aim of the study was to uncover the extent to which engagement in physical activity had an influence upon their behaviours and lifestyles to enable professionals to understand ways to engage people. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted then transcribed and analysed. Data analysis was used to identify key themes and quotes that emerged from the data. The findings display over the years factors that affect participation in physical activity had changed. However, some factors were similar to previous findings such as timing and cost. The findings also display a higher percentage of females participating in physical activity at younger ages due to them gaining higher priorities as age increases. Another factor was young females not having enough information about how to become involved in physical activity. To conclude Waring and Mason (2010) suggest that sport and physical activity create a positive effect on social inclusion, yet there are also some underlying factors that also play a part. Sport and physical activity are part of a large process of social inclusion and aiding minority groups in a community.