Human resource development for community development: lessons from a sport‐for‐development program in rural India

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the application of human resources systems and practices in a sport-for-development program for community development. Using a qualitative research approach, this study collected a series of data over a period of 24 months in a rural community setting in India. This article reveals that inputs such as soccer peer-coaching knowledge and opportunities for training not only develop coaching and playing skills and abilities but also can create a socially cohesive space to foster individual, group and community capacity building for improved sport-for-development program outcomes. Using social movement theory, this article illustrates that soccer peer-coaching knowledge can be an enabler in recruiting, training and incentivising participants and volunteer coaches for social action. This article provides a practical and theoretical understanding of using knowledge, skills and abilities to mobilise individuals and assist in the delivery of a sustainable sport-for-development program in a community setting.