Private spaces

Contribution:

• The private sector offers vast possibilities for users with diversified choices.
• It allows people with higher expectations the possibility to have access to Sport.
• Facility businesses owners can create Sport for All venues in forms of commercial activities such as festivals or activations with using dismountable facilities.

International endorsement:

Who Global Action Plan:
The private sector should partner and support community-led initiatives to promote physical activity in parks and other public open spaces.

European ‘Sport for All’ Charter (Council of Europe, 2001):
Makes specific reference to the interdependence between Sport participation and the extent, variety and accessibility of Sport facilities

• Entry/membership fees are the main barrier to take advantage on all the benefits of private providers.
• Limited or highly specialized offer in certain areas.
• Certain “high expenditure” Sport, such as fencing or golf, or top clubs are in high-income areas preventing access to Sport to other less advantaged classes.
• Many clubs, have some admission criteria.
• Certain fitness centres are idealized as venues where only just fit and skinny people can participate

Innovation and aggregated values:

• Boutique studios and budget-friendly gyms have continued to perform well year over year. (128)
• Offer different aggregated values to a membership fee to secure users’ further involvement: physical therapy, nutritional consultation, day care facilities, social gatherings, thematic activities and parties. (129)
• A key differentiating factor for a private place to practice Sport is to find personalized assistance of coaches and other Sport professionals.
• Use technology (app or social media) to attract players in the search of a group or a “sparring”.

Gym and fitness centres:

• Are the most popular private venues where Sport and physical activity are taking place.
• Bodybuilding Gyms should avoid offering just “body image services”. in cases of “imperfect” bodies may produce participant´s devaluation. (130)
• A holistic approach should include a wide variety of activities with an impact in physical and mental well-being.
• In most cases users of these services do their routines without supervision. Facility owners should offer supporting staff and other forms to prevent injuries and accidents, as examined in AG5.

Sport and activity-related tourism

•  Combining Sport activities with tourism and other leisure activities, in particular for private tourism locations such as beach resorts and lodges.
• Organizing festivals, exhibitions and tournaments.

Other tips:

•  Private Sport venues owners should widen the diversity of their services to include low income.
• Consider transportation services for people that live away from the venues.
• Communication is key: Use of social media and WhatsApp to inform about benefits, discounts and updates regarding the membership.
• As for Sport Clubs (non-profit), consider:
• Biosecurity and other emergency protocols.
• Secure places to store personal belongings.
• Define schedules according to different competitive levels to avoid dropouts.
• Offer children spaces for adults (parents).
• Besides venues, many Sport (e.g., cycling, archery or baseball) require specific equipment. Owners should provide these resources; otherwise, this may prevent the realization of Sport.
• Discriminate participants to health condition, technical Sport skills, nationality, etc.

• European Health & Fitness Market Report 2019 Click Here 
• Guidance documents for clubs Click Here

Creating an Inclusive Fitness Club and Sector
(IHRSA – The Global Health and Fitness Association)

• This e-book is the starting point for closing any remaining knowledge gaps on universal inclusion and can help you create a culture of inclusivity in your club.
• This resource will provide you with an introduction to principles of inclusion, 6 practices to start promoting inclusion at your club, 4 steps your club can use to move towards greater inclusion with UFIT, and more.

More information:
E-book. Click Here