Change the Game: Can a Non-Traditional Club Increase Participation in Extracurricular Physical Activity?

The aims of this study are to investigate the impact of a ‘non-traditional’ extracurricular club on pupils’ participation in physical activity, and what motivated pupils to attend. This action research intervention was carried out within a Greater London secondary school for girls, for four weeks during lunchtimes. To conduct the intervention, a dodgeball club was introduced as an extracurricular club, which was open to pupils in Key Stage 3. Pupils’ attendance was monitored and some were asked to complete the Motives for Physical Activity Measure (MPAM-R), at the end of the intervention.
The findings indicate that the intervention had a positive impact within its environment, as an increase in pupils’ participation was observed over the course of the study. Additionally, the interest/enjoyment of the club was recorded as the highest motivation for participation.