Where Do Professional Sports Clubs and Organisations Sit Within a Local Health Promotion System? A Social Network Analysis Study

Professional sports clubs and organisations (PSCOs) have been identified as effective organisations for health promotion (HP); however, their position and connectivity within local HP systems is largely unknown. Our research aimed to explore (i) who identifies PSCOs as a key partner within the delivery of local HP projects, (ii) who they collaborate with, and (iii) their perceived importance by network members. A social network analysis survey was completed by eighteen stakeholders within a South West region of England. Few organisations identified PSCOs as a key partner; however, influential organisations, such as the local authority, reported ties to them. Generally, PSCOs were not identified by network stakeholders as key organisations in the dissemination of HP knowledge or resources, such as project delivery or staffing. Limited relationships with voluntary and health sector organisations existed, and fostering such multisectoral relationships should be a priority for PSCOs in the future. PSCOs were not clearly integrated within the local HP system sampled and are siloed within their local HP activities and delivery. Future research and practice should explore how PSCOs’ assets could be best utilised with local HP and contribute towards local and national health priorities.