Community sport networks

Community sport is characterized by networks of individ uals who come together to volunteer their time for community sport organizations (CSOs), as well as external stakeholders who have an interest in the operation and/or performance of the CSOs (CSOs are synonymous with local voluntary sport clubs or associations.). Social capital is a purported benefit of social networks by virtue of the social trust and reciprocity that may be produced, and reproduced, when individuals and groups work together. The chapter begins with an overview of the nature of CSOs and a working definition of social capital. This is followed by a discussion of social capital in relation to the community sport networks of volunteers and stakeholders, including evidence of the potential for, existence of, and bar riers to social capital in and through these networks. The chapter concludes with a discussion of directions for research and implications for practice.