Capability building through basketball: Exploring the Scottish context

Using basketball in Scotland as the focus, this qualitative analysis outlines five key baseline areas required for effective capability building: opportunity; person-first/needs-centred approach; intentionality; communication, democracy, and public dialogue; alongside collaboration, joint-up working, and partnerships. Grounded in capability approach (CA), the research draws conclusions from basketballscotland, Caledonia Gladiators, and We Play Together whilst amassing further insights from multiple community sport teams nationwide. The findings highlight that Scottish basketball is currently functioning under capability theory premises and is moving towards a CA agenda without knowing. Greater awareness and understanding of the present ecosystem can help improve the system and heighten overall development. This research strives to contribute to this realisation that if properly structured and supported, sports like basketball can have a transformative impact on, to and for people and communities. The underlying principles discussed can be applied to other sports and replicated in other countries to optimise development.