Evidence-based policy-making in sports funding using a data-driven optimization approach
2024

Optimizing Sports Funding for Children's Participation

Sample size: 111000 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Hurt Jan, Yang Liuhuaying, Sorger Johannes, Lampoltshammer Thomas J., Pulda Nike, Rosenbichler Ursula, Thurner Stefan, Klimek Peter

Primary Institution: Complexity Science Hub, Vienna, Austria

Hypothesis

How can government funds be optimally allocated to increase children's participation in sports clubs?

Conclusion

Tailoring public funding strategies to regional socio-economic characteristics can significantly increase children's participation in sports clubs.

Supporting Evidence

  • Public subsidies can significantly increase participation rates in sports clubs.
  • An optimal allocation of funds can attract more children to sports clubs.
  • Socio-economic factors influence the effectiveness of funding strategies.

Takeaway

This study shows that giving money to sports clubs based on their needs helps more kids join and play sports.

Methodology

A data-driven simulation model was used to evaluate different funding strategies for sports clubs in Austria.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the assumption that the relationship between funding and participation is causal.

Limitations

The study is limited by the availability of socio-economic data at the individual level and uncertainties in estimating club budgets.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on children aged 5-19 years participating in football clubs in Austria.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0312179

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