“Barrier to participation in football and initiatives for adults over 40s” In Hylton and Totten (2008), priority groups are defined as the results of quantitative analysis of sport, in particular by using surveys that can identify populations less likely to participate. Sport development officers are responsible for achieving more participation and social inclusion through sport. Their work is based on the significance of sports development itself: “policies, process and practices that form an integral feature of work involved in providing sporting opportunities” (Bramham and Hylton, 2008, p.2). In order to get more people taking part in sporting activities, strategies planned by government departments should focus more on the foundation …show more content…
Adults that want to start play football or have been playing for years can face a sort of psychological fear linked with injuries that they have already experienced in the past and therefore can influence their participation. As mentioned in Lees et al (2005) older adults can have the fear of falling, as well as getting injured. The stories of those who have also been affected by injury can also influence them.
Considering that football is a sport contact activity the risk of injuries is higher, especially the knee problems. The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most common problems. Once the person undergoes the surgery and rehabilitation which can take up to three years, the expected result of playing football again is not always guaranteed (Gignac et al. 2015). As this study shows, adults are more likely to switch to household activities or lower risk physical activities because of the psychological fear of potential re-injury. Short et al. (2004) defined the fear of injury as the anxiety caused by the apprehension of the part of the body possibly injured. When it comes to playing football, older adults can struggle to get involved due to the stereotype and the perception of football seen as a sport for young players only (Robson and McKenna 2008). Under those circumstances, the fear of injuries is related to the lack of confidence that this pattern can create, therefore the perceived risk of injury is higher, driven by the psychological aspect (Short et al. 2004). Similarly, Robson and McKenna (2008) pointed out that football not only has the potential for physical injuries but it can also create social embarrassment