The community network: an Aboriginal community football club bringing people together
Alister Thorpe A C , Wendy Anders B and Kevin Rowley AA Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Unit, Centre for Health and Society, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, 4/207 Bouverie Street, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.
B Institute of Koorie Education, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Vic. 3216, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: ahthorpe@unimelb.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 20(4) 356-364 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY14051
Submitted: 17 March 2014 Accepted: 19 June 2014 Published: 8 August 2014
Abstract
There are few empirical studies about the role of Aboriginal sporting organisations in promoting wellbeing. The aim of the present study was to understand the impact of an Aboriginal community sporting team and its environment on the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of young Aboriginal men, and to identify barriers and motivators for participation. A literature review of the impact of sport on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal participants was conducted. This informed a qualitative study design with a grounded theory approach. Four semistructured interviews and three focus groups were completed with nine current players and five past players of the Fitzroy Stars Football Club to collect data about the social, emotional and physical wellbeing impact of an Aboriginal football team on its Aboriginal players. Results of the interviews were consistent with the literature, with common concepts emerging around community connection, cultural values and identity, health, values, racism and discrimination. However, the interviews provided further detail around the significance of cultural values and community connection for Aboriginal people. The complex nature of social connections and the strength of Aboriginal community networks in sports settings were also evident. Social reasons were just as important as individual health reasons for participation. Social and community connection is an important mechanism for maintaining and strengthening cultural values and identity. Barriers and motivators for participation in Aboriginal sports teams can be complex and interrelated. Aboriginal sports teams have the potential to have a profound impact on the health of Aboriginal people, especially its players, by fostering a safe and culturally strengthening environment and encompassing a significant positive social hub for the Aboriginal community.
Additional keywords: cultural identity, culture, racism, social, sports participation.
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