Tenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

The influx of female students from an African origin to universities in the United Kingdom (UK), have supported inter-culturalism and practical foundations of career development. Limited research has focused upon African student’s participation in physical activity in the UK, albeit governmental statistics highlight those from an African origin participate in physical activity less than other ethnic groups. Additionally, the importance of physical activity lends itself to numerous health and well-being benefits. Moreover, this study aimed to understand the challenges to participation for this group, by considering the participant’s demographical profile and implementing a physical activity project to create change. Research shows that students who experience diaspora, can find it difficult to engage with local communities which can become detrimental to their inter-cultural awareness and impede on sustainable relationships and the students well-being. Employing a mixed method approach utilising questionnaires and focus groups, this study bestowed female African students were uncomfortable attending physical activity sessions due to self-confidence, cultural judgements, awareness of their capabilities in recreational sport sessions and family constraints. The findings of the study advocate the environment needs to be a safe space for females to participate, a clear explanation of each activity is required and female instructors increased participation.