Beyond the game: social interaction as a bridge from sports to community cohesion and belonging

Although community sports are widely promoted to enhance social integration, the mechanisms linking individual participation to collective cohesion remain theoretically underdeveloped. Grounded in Social Capital Theory and Social Interaction Theory, this study seeks to explain how social interactions serve as a conduit for converting sports engagement into community assets. To achieve this, a cross-sectional design was adopted, utilizing validated measurement instruments to survey participants in community sports activities. Structural Equation Modeling was subsequently employed to uncover key mediating pathways. The empirical results demonstrate that social interaction acts as a critical mechanism linking sports participation to community outcomes. Specifically, both the frequency and quality of these interactions significantly influence community attachment and trust. These findings indicate that sustained interaction facilitates the accumulation of bonding and bridging social capital, thereby strengthening overall community cohesion and the sense of belonging. By clarifying these linkages, this research advances the understanding of community dynamics. The evidence compels policymakers to recognize community sports programs not merely as recreational activities but as a critical strategic intervention for achieving social cohesion goals.