Studies reveal a shift in the role of sport in society in general; we are experiencing greater political focus on sport due to the health-related outcomes of participation and the linkage between sport and health is clearer than ever. Relatively new findings conclude that recreational football organised as small-sided games is highly beneficial for enhancing overall fitness. In addition, studies indicate that team sports such as football may have an advantage over individual sports when it comes to personal development and the development of social capital.
The aim of this paper is to explore a new Danish football-based activity for health called Football Fitness (FF), with a specific focus on organisational issues. In doing so, we would like to contribute to the discussion of how to organise sports as a means for promoting health within sporting organisations. The theoretical framework is based in new institutional theory, whereas this paper uses the theory of “path dependency” (Mahoney, 2000) and explores the theory of “first- and second-order change” (Watzlawick et al., 1974) to discuss organizational changes.
Our research is based on both qualitative and quantitative methods, including 3 individual interviews and 7 focus group interviews (N:35) with representatives for the Danish Football Association (DFA) and 4 clubs. Moreover online questionnaires to chairmen (N:475) and FF-representatives (N:62) was gathered. Our research argues that it can be beneficial to target sports organisations and include the expertise of non-profit sports clubs if the goal is to raise the physical activity level of the local community and make these changes long-lasting. But the organisations need to consider how this is to be done. FF, established by the DFA, and run by the clubs is one example in a Danish context.
Key words: Football Fitness, Health, Sports clubs, Sports Organisations, Path dependency