Collective Sports
Synopsis
The Collective Sports group looked at mapping the local perspectives of the appropriation of green spaces in Hackney and how sports on the Hackney Marshes contribute to ‘Environmental Justice’. Our research focus was to analyse the presence of collective sports on the Hackney Marshes, and assess whether they lead to community inclusion and therefore social cohesion. The 2012 Olympics and its contribution towards promoting and providing for the ‘needs’ of local collective sports was also analyzed. Using quantitative and qualitative participatory research methods, we interviewed and interacted with local users of the Hackney Marshes. This included children’s and adult’s football teams, the Clapton Rangers management, and various other community stakeholders (not necessarily associated with sports).
Key findings
Following are the main findings from our research:
Synopsis
The Collective Sports group looked at mapping the local perspectives of the appropriation of green spaces in Hackney and how sports on the Hackney Marshes contribute to ‘Environmental Justice’. Our research focus was to analyse the presence of collective sports on the Hackney Marshes, and assess whether they lead to community inclusion and therefore social cohesion. The 2012 Olympics and its contribution towards promoting and providing for the ‘needs’ of local collective sports was also analyzed. Using quantitative and qualitative participatory research methods, we interviewed and interacted with local users of the Hackney Marshes. This included children’s and adult’s football teams, the Clapton Rangers management, and various other community stakeholders (not necessarily associated with sports).
Key findings
Following are the main findings from our research:
- Though Hackney Marshes is primarily used for the purpose of sports, there is a visible usage of the marshes for other activities such as cultivation, dog walking, cycling, running and artAmongst the sports played on the marshes, football is dominant
- Collective sports in Hackney bridges gaps between people from different areas
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Collective sport lends itself as a tool to achieve social cohesion
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Collective sport in can enhance environmental justice
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Football provides a feeling of safety which encourages participation on the marshes not limited to sports alone
- The 2012 Olympics does not fully provide for the needs of local collective sports.
Justice in the Green Community Map
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