Building healthy communities through sport
We are a collective of researchers at the University of Waterloo and beyond who care deeply about the health and vitality of community sport organizations and their participants. We believe that healthy community sport is a movement, not a moment. Our interdisciplinary research is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practice of community sport in Canada, with a focus on wellbeing, inclusion, and capacity building.
The Community Sport Research Group brings together scholars, students, and community partners committed to strengthening the organizations and people who make sport possible. Grounded in evidence and guided by collaboration, our work examines how clubs, volunteers, families, and local systems shape participation, safety, leadership, and social impact—translating research into practical solutions that matter.
Through research, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge mobilization, we support community sport organizations as they navigate change, enhance governance, and foster safe, inclusive environments for athletes and families.
Whether you're a practitioner seeking evidence-informed tools, a student looking to get involved, or a community partner exploring collaboration, we invite you to discover our work and join us.
Together, we’re building healthy communities through sport.
News
Dr. Pennock and Dr. McKenzie on HEADCHECK Health Podcast
Dr. Kaleigh Pennock and Dr. Braeden McKenzie recently joined HEADCHECK Health Talks to discuss their latest research. Their work highlights key limitations in current concussion education practices in youth sport and calls for a more equitable and responsibility-focused approach to concussion prevention.
Dr. Pennock to present at the Ontario Sport Community Summit
Dr. Pennock will be featured on a panel on safe, inclusive, and holistic sport at the Ontario Sport Community Summit on November 19th. Hosted by partners from MLSE LaunchPad, the Ontario Sport Network and Brock University, the panel will discuss the importance of fostering, safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces across all levels of sport participation.
Dr. Pennock hosts webinar for Parks and Recreation Ontario
Dr. Pennock delivered a talk for Parks and Recreation Ontario entitled ‘From Participants to Partners:
Transforming Youth Engagement, Access, and Inclusion in Recreation’. Drawing from her research in risk, responsibility, and harm in youth sport, Dr. Pennock discussed why rethinking the way we engage with today's youth is essential for increasing youth engagement, improving mental health outcomes, and uplifting future recreation and sport leaders.