Research project This project explores how members of sports clubs understand and define voluntary work. While volunteering is vital for grassroots sports, what actually counts as engagement is not always clear. Through interviews, the study examines how these boundaries are drawn and which contributions are recognized – and which risk remaining invisible.
This project examines how members of sports clubs define voluntary work and describe their engagement. Through interviews with parents involved in different ways in grassroots sports clubs, the study explores how the boundaries of volunteering are shaped and which contributions gain visibility. The aim is to understand why some efforts are acknowledged while others remain unnoticed. The insights can help clubs broaden their view of engagement and create more inclusive and sustainable ways of organizing voluntary work.
Voluntary work is essential for the survival of Swedish sports. Without parents stepping in as coaches, officials, or helping at events, many clubs would not be able to continue their activities. At the same time, it is not always clear what counts as voluntary work. Some contributions are highly visible and valued, while others remain unnoticed. This lack of clarity can affect people’s willingness to engage and create feelings of unfairness.
The project examines how members of sports clubs define voluntary work and describe their involvement. Through interviews with parents who contribute in different ways and to varying degrees, the study explores how the boundaries of volunteering are shaped in practice. Which activities are seen as “real” voluntary work? How do these perceptions influence the visibility and recognition of different contributions?
The aim is to understand why some efforts are acknowledged while others remain invisible. The insights can help sports clubs broaden their view of engagement and develop more inclusive and sustainable ways of organizing voluntary work. In the long run, this can encourage more people to feel welcome and motivated to participate – something that is crucial for the future of grassroots sports.
