Evaluation and Impact Measurement Tools for Sport for All Activities

For organisations and individuals involved in Sport for All, evaluation provides answers to critical questions: Are we achieving our goals? Are we reaching the people who need us most? Are we contributing to something bigger, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? With the right tools, we can gather evidence that tells these stories, validates our efforts, and helps us grow.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Definitions

Baseline Data – Initial information collected before a program starts to measure changes over time and evaluate its impact.
Demographic Breakdown – A statistical analysis of participants based on factors such as age, gender, identity, and background to assess inclusivity and reach.
Evaluation Metrics – Quantifiable indicators used to assess the effectiveness of a program, such as participation rates, diversity measures, and engagement levels.
Impact Report – A structured document summarizing a program’s goals, key achievements, success stories, challenges, and future plans.
Inclusivity – The practice of ensuring equal access and participation for all individuals, regardless of gender, identity, ability, or background.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – Specific, measurable values used to track progress toward achieving program objectives, such as participant growth or media reach.
Participant Surveys – Questionnaires designed to collect feedback, demographic data, and insights from individuals engaged in a program or event.
Qualitative Insights – Non-numerical data gathered through interviews, stories, or focus groups to understand personal experiences and emotional impact.
Quantitative Data – Numerical information collected through surveys, attendance sheets, or digital analytics to measure program reach and effectiveness.
Sustainability Efforts – Actions taken to minimize environmental impact, promote long-term program viability, and support community well-being.

Specific types of guideline this Activity Box applies to

International Sport Organisations

National Sport Federations

KEYFACT

Measuring the impact of Sport for All activities is a journey of understanding. It’s about gathering the evidence to show your progress while celebrating the people whose lives have been touched by your work.

Why is it so important

Sport for All is about creating a positive change in communities. To truly understand the value of these activities, we need to measure their impact. Evaluation isn’t just a formal process; it’s how we reflect on what we’ve achieved, learn from the challenges, and celebrate the stories that matter.

What you will find here

1. Framing Your Goals and Gathering Insights

2. Collecting Data: Numbers, Stories, and Insights

3. Evaluating and Reporting Your Impact

4. Learning and Growing as an Organisation

Checklist

Framing Your Goals and Gathering Insights

  • Develop Evaluation Metrics
    • Participation: Total participants, demographic breakdowns and return rates.
    • Inclusivity: Diversity in gender identity, age and ability.
    • Impact on Behaviour: Changes in physical activity levels, attitudes toward diversity or knowledge of sustainability.
    • Media Reach: Social media impressions, engagement rates, and website traffic.
    • Sustainability Efforts: Metrics such as CO2 reduction (as tracked in the Leipzig WTTD event with a carbon footprint of 40.62 t CO2e).
    • Satisfaction: Participant feedback, Net Promoter Score (NPS), and overall event experience ratings

Collecting Data: Numbers, Stories, and Insights

  • Quantitative Tools
    • Participant Surveys: Collect demographic data, feedback on the event, and behavioural impact. Ensure questions are simple, culturally sensitive, and translated where needed.
      Example: WTTD’s promoters reported participation data broken down by age and gender.
    • Attendance Sheets: Use sign-up sheets or apps to log participation numbers and track repeat attendees.
    • Digital Analytics: Leverage platforms like Google Analytics for website data or social media analytics tools to track reach and engagement.
    • Technological Tools: Use platforms like Pongmasters to map infrastructure impact, as seen with WTTD’s mapping of 141 new table tennis tables globally.
  • Qualitative Insights: The Stories Behind the Numbers
    • Interviews and Focus Groups: Engage with participants, volunteers and community leaders to understand the deeper impact of your activities.
    • Storytelling: Capture personal stories that highlight the emotional and social benefits of participation. These stories provide a human touch to your reports.

Evaluating and Reporting Your Impact

  • Executive Summary: Provide an overview of the program’s goals, outcomes and key achievements.
  • Key Metrics: Present numbers, such as participant data, demographics and media reach. Use infographics to make the data engaging.
  • Success Stories: Share testimonials and case studies from participants or organisers.
  • Challenges and Lessons Learned: Be transparent about what didn’t work and how you plan to improve. For example, if participation was lower in certain areas, explore why and share your strategies for addressing this next time.
  • Future Plans: Outline how you’ll build on your success. Show that your program is part of a bigger journey and invite stakeholders to join you in the next chapter.

RELATED TOPICS