Welcome to RETURN2SPORT
Exploring the adult sporting journey through participation, belonging
and connection.
RETURN2SPORT is an independent grassroots research and development initiative exploring the adult sporting journey in North Ayrshire.
The project is interested in understanding how adults engage with, experience, leave, return to and remain connected to sport and physical activity throughout their lives.
Through research, lived experiences and community insight, RETURN2SPORT seeks to better understand the personal, social and environmental factors that shape adult participation, including belonging, confidence, connection and long-term engagement.
Taking a broad multi-sport approach, the project aims to contribute evidence that can inform constructive conversations and support positive practice across clubs, coaches, sporting organisations and community settings.
Over time, RETURN2SPORT hopes to gather insight that may support:
• adult participation and retention
• successful return-to-sport experiences
• welcoming and inclusive sporting environments
• stronger community connection through sport
• lifelong participation in sport and physical activity
Why This Matters
Recreational and competitive sporting opportunities for adults continue to grow across Ayrshire and beyond.
At the same time, adult sporting journeys are often shaped by factors such as:
• Confidence
• Fitness and readiness
• Social connection
• Group dynamics
• Access to appropriate opportunities
• Feelings of belonging
• Life transitions and changing circumstances
• Previous sporting experiences
Sport participation is not always a straightforward journey. Many adults move into, out of and back into sport at different stages of life.
RETURN2SPORT aims to better understand these experiences and contribute evidence-informed conversations around participation, belonging, retention and lifelong engagement in sport and physical activity.
RETURN2SPORT
Key Research Focus Areas
• Adult return-to-sport experiences
• Participation, retention and dropout
• Factors supporting long-term involvement
• Belonging and social connection in sport
• Recreational and competitive participation pathways
• Group dynamics and sporting environments
• Lifelong participation in sport and physical activity
Take Part
Get Involved
RETURN2SPORT is interested in hearing from adults, clubs, organisations and communities with experiences and perspectives to share.
Whether you currently participate in sport, have returned after time away, have stepped away from sport altogether, or support participation through your organisation, your experiences can help build understanding.
Adults
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Share your experiences
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Take part in surveys
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Participate in future interviews and conversations
Clubs & Organisations
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Share research opportunities
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Contribute perspectives and experiences
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Stay informed about findings and future opportunities
Supporters
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Follow updates
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Share opportunities with others
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Help raise awareness of the initiative
Get In Touch
Contact: Claire Gibb 📧 cgibb@return2sport.scot
Frequently asked questions
About
RETURN2SPORT is an independent research initiative exploring adult participation, re-engagement and belonging in sport. Led by Claire Gibb, an Ayrshire based sport development researcher with a working background in sports development, further education, coaching and community engagement.
The initiative was inspired in part by personal experience of returning to sport after time away and a growing interest in the factors that influence participation, belonging and long-term involvement in sport.
Through research and conversation, RETURN2SPORT seeks to better understand the factors that influence participation, belonging and lifelong involvement in sport.
Claire is currently undertaking the final year of a degree in Sports Coaching and Development, with a particular interest in adult participation, sporting environments and the factors that support long-term involvement in sport.