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Lower Socio-Economic Groups (LSEG)

Lower Socio-Economic Groups (LSEG)

Socioeconomic background refers to an individual’s social and economic experiences, particularly during childhood and early life. This may include:

  • Attending schools with fewer opportunities or facilities

  • Being the first in a family to access further or higher education

  • Having limited access to sport, clubs, or extracurricular activities

  • Facing financial pressures that impact participation

This is not always visible and can affect individuals in different ways. ‘Lower socio-economic groups’ refers to nearly a third of the adult population in England (around 12 million). People in these groups are the most likely to be inactive (33%) and the least likely to be active (54%).

Barriers linked to cost and access can unintentionally exclude individuals from participating in netball. Examples include:

  • Membership or match fees

  • Cost of kit, footwear or equipment

  • Travel to training, matches or competitions

  • Time constraints due to work or caring responsibilities

Without awareness, these barriers can limit who feels able to join, stay, and progress within the sport.

Removing Barrier to Lower Socio-Economic Groups
Reduce Financial Barriers
- Offer flexible payment options where possible - Consider subsidised sessions or hardship support - Provide free or low-cost introductory opportunities
Improve Access to Kit and Equipment
- Set up a kit exchange or donation scheme - Encourage reuse of pre-loved items - Keep requirements simple and affordable (where possible, provide choice beyond a dress).
Make Sessions Accessible
- Choose venues with good transport links - Consider session timings to suit different schedules - Be mindful of additional or hidden costs
Create a Welcoming Environment
- Be clear and transparent about costs - Avoid assumptions about what people can afford - Foster a culture where everyone feels comfortable and included
Language and Communication
Socioeconomic background can be a sensitive topic. - Use respectful and inclusive language - Avoid making assumptions about someone’s circumstances - Be mindful of conversations that may unintentionally exclude others

Remember, lower socio-economic groups will likely have intersectional needs. For example, the needs of women in LSEGs will likely be different to those of men. Start from a point of understanding the local community.

Working 'Intersectionally'
Although delivered in an area of Leicester that is considered 'deprived', this project had numerous benefits. With a particular focus on female health it allowed NETBALLHer content to be woven throughout delivery of Walking Netball sessions.
Background
Highfields is an inner-city area of Leicester. Considered deprived, it has an ethnically diverse population. The area has a very large South Asian community, particularly people of Indian heritage. Highfields has a history of strong community networks and building trusted, long-term relationships with local community leaders and organisations is important. A study found that for South Asian women “physical activity levels are approximately 60% lower than among their White British peers”.
Delivery Overview
An 8 week programme combined menopause education with Walking Netball. Each session featured an hour of expert-led discussion on topics like body changes, nutrition, and wellbeing, followed by an hour of physical activity led by an England Netball host.
Approach
Delivered with Active Women at The Highfields Centre, a trusted, accessible venue meeting the community’s cultural and practical needs. The centre is frequently used for community events, making it a familiar, safe, and accessible setting. Importantly, the facility caters for the Islamic community, offering prayer spaces and blinds in the sports hall to allow women to remove head coverings comfortably. Building on existing engagement with South Asian women’s fitness groups, the programme was promoted through familiar networks, with all 18 spaces filled in 24 hours, showing strong demand and community trust.
Impact
• 100% of participants reported that the programme helped to manage symptoms of menopause and mood. • 100% of participants reported that they were considering taking on more physical activity or resistance training. • 42 South Asian women engaged in Netball for the first time. • 6 Participants went on to complete ‘Menopause Champion’ training so that they can educate their community. • 4 Participants showed interest in training as a Walking Netball Host. • The walking netball sessions continued after the menopause education. The programme finished with increased participation throughout.
What we Learned
• The partnership with Active Women created a trusted connection to the community and enabled delivery quite quickly. • Adjusting for cultural and religious considerations was important. By adapting Walking Netball during Ramadan, lowering the intensity of the sessions enabled continued participation. • Word of Mouth is powerful - new participants joined through these recommendations. • Building trust with the community, listening, embracing and not forcing a relationship was key. • Keeping staff numbers in the education sessions to a minimum was preferred to avoid participants feeling observed in sessions with subjects not regularly discussed by women in the community.

Sport England - February 2025

In Spring 2025 Sport England released insight based upon factors that have been found to have the biggest impact on activity levels. Specifically, women on lower incomes who are also:

  • Aged 55-74

  • Pregnant or with babies under one year old

  • From Black communities

  • From South Asian Muslim communities.

The report sets out a number of barriers, motivations and solutions to engage with the specified groups.

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