This commentary serves to provide a rapid analysis of the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on sporting mass gatherings. The focus of this commentary surrounds sporting mass gatherings and strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, with a particular focus on the UEFA EURO 2020 competition. Further references to the 2020 Olympic Games, and community recreational football are made. The intention is to stimulate discussion, analysis, interest and research on what the initial impact of COVID-19 has on sport. COVID-19 could fundamentally change the way sport operates in the future and requires further analysis. We hope this commentary provides an interesting record and reference point for future research and practice of those operating in sporting organisations. Learning lesson from this crisis, must ensure sport managers and practitioners are better prepared in sport and society for similar events in the future.
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AbstractBackground: Qualitative research into the effect of school recess on children's physical activity is currently limited.This study used a write and draw technique to explore children's perceptions of physical activity opportunities during recess. Methods: 299 children aged 7-11 years from 3 primary schools were enlisted. Children were grouped into Years 3 & 4 and 5 & 6 and completed a write and draw task focussing on likes and dislikes. Pen profiles were used to analyse the data. Results: Results indicated 'likes' focused on play, positive social interaction and games across both age groups but showed an increasing dominance of games with an appreciation for being outdoors with age. 'Dislikes' focused on dysfunctional interactions linked with bullying, membership, equipment and conflict for playground space.Football was a dominant feature across both age groups and 'likes/dislikes' that caused conflict and dominated the physically active games undertaken. Discussion: Recess was important for the development of conflict management and social skills and contributed to physical activity engagement. The findings contradict suggestions that time spent in recess should be reduced because of behavioural issues.
Fit Fans was a men's health promotion intervention delivered within an English PremierLeague Football Club (2010-11), which aimed to support the local community dwelling older men in lifestyle promotion (physical activity [PA], diet and wellbeing). The purpose of this study was to provide a reflexive account of a practitioner and the needs of participants. Seven men (mean age 58 years) attended weekly PA and lifestyle sessions over an 8 month period. Baseline physiological measurements included Body Mass Index (BMI), Resting Blood Pressure and Abdominal Girth. Principles of ethnography and observational research (i.e., field notes, reflective diary) were adopted by the practitioner. Unexpectedly the cohort exhibited a range of serious diagnosed illnesses that challenged the practitioner's skill base and experience in the delivery of the intervention. Reflections of the practitioner and the stories of the progression that participants made add insight to future football in the community programmes.
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