Connecting the community through sport club partnerships

Abstract

This article examines the nature of community sport connections evidenced by relationships between community sport clubs and various organizations in the community. This article uses a social capital perspective to highlight the potential of interorganizational relationships through sport as a mechanism for generating community connections and social cohesion. The findings of interviews with 20 club presidents illustrate how interorganizational relationships connect sport with the broader community as clubs reach out to and link with a variety of partners. Critical relationship qualities included engagement, reciprocity and trust, which are consistent with the tenets of social capital. Opportunities for friendship and community outreach were also identified as aspects of club relationships and are a further indication of how sport may connect the community.