The intertwining of unemployment and poverty, as highlighted by Eurostat (2020), creates a cascade effect, impacting both material and non-material aspects of life and fostering a cycle of exclusion. Kronauer's (1998) delineation of six dimensions of social exclusion reveals the complexity of these dynamics, resulting in intricate and precarious life situations. Individuals facing unemployment often grapple with health challenges, both physical and mental (e.g., Gallie et al., 2003; Virgolino et al., 2022), and experience a shrinkage of social networks (Rözer et al., 2020). Stigmatization and limited access to societal activities due to financial constraints exacerbate these effects. These consequences can perpetuate the cycle of social exclusion over time, leading to a downward spiral with significant impact on the lives of those affected, often ultimately manifesting in long-term unemployment and old age poverty.

Participation in sports programs enables access to a variety of positive effects (e.g. Appelqvist-Schmidlechner et al. 2023; Coalter 2007). Therefore, non-profit organizations like beneFit e.V. provide access to voluntary sport for individuals in vulnerable situations. Through participation in sport, participants may strengthen their mental, physical and social resources. Access is facilitated by dismantling key barriers, including cost-free participation, minimal performance prerequisites, and a protected setting (Oettle, under review). Yet, so far, little is known about how individuals affected by unemployment and poverty utilize the effects of sports participation for their own lives. This is partly because addressing poverty and social exclusion requires a comprehensive strategy, extending beyond a narrow focus on income or financial means. Accordingly, Sen (2000) posits poverty as a deprivation of fundamental capabilities, distinct from a mere lack of income, acknowledging the multifaceted repercussions of poverty and social exclusion. In Sen's view, capabilities denote an individual's abilities to do or be something (Robeyns, 2017), emphasizing the importance of empowering people to pursue various aspects of a fulfilling life beyond economic considerations. Well-being, according to Sen, is achieved when individuals have access to a certain level of individual potential and material resources.

Drawing upon Sen´s (2000) Capability Approach (CA) as a theoretical framework, this study aims to develop a domain-specific theory using Grounded Theory methodology. The CA framework enables a holistic examination of different life circumstances, providing a comprehensive lens to understand the potential outcomes of sport interventions. Therefore, the main research questions is: What contribution does participation in sports make in achieving goals in the lives of people affected by poverty? 

Located in Freiburg, Southern Germany, beneFit's development is informed by current insights into exclusion processes in sports for individuals facing poverty. The program design aligns with the community development approach, considering the diverse precarious situations of the target group (Spaaij et al. 2014). Data collection employed narrative interviews, where participants initially shared their biographies and personal life goals. Subsequently, they reflected on their individual development processes within beneFit's sports programs and the personal insights gained. Participants were also asked about perceived changes in themselves and their life situations, exploring their perspectives on the factors contributing to these changes. For data analysis, we adopted the Grounded Theory by Corbin and Strauss (2015) as methodological framework. This qualitative method allows for the derivation of patterns and categories from collected data without predefined hypotheses or theories. The flexibility and iterative nature of Grounded Theory facilitate the organic development of theories directly from the data, ensuring high validity and relevance within the context of this study. In the study, sixteen interviews have been conducted and analyzed, with the overall sample evolving through the theoretical sampling principle (Przyborski & Wohlrab-Sahr, 2014) during empirical analysis. The collection will be completed until end of august 2024. Participants in these interviews are individuals affected by poverty and social exclusion (e.g., long-term unemployed individuals, people unable to work due to illness, or those experiencing old-age poverty), engaging regularly in the sports programs offered by the beneFit organization for a minimum of six months.

The current findings of the study show how important participation in sport is for shaping the lives of individuals who are faced with various challenges (such as poverty). Two key categories emerged from the data analysis: Stability and the realization of personal goals. (In-)Stability: Participants identified problematic life situations characterized by perceived stress, dissatisfaction, and a sense of loss of control or uncertainty. Personal factors such as illnesses and disabilities, whether reversible (e.g., depression) or irreversible (e.g., mobility impairments), contributed to these challenges. External factors such as issues related to work, family, housing, and material poverty were also prevalent. These problems often interwove, creating a complex web of difficulties outside the individual's control. The sports program participation served as a source of joy, acted as a vent for life's challenges, and provided a platform for mutual support among participants. Furthermore, it offered structure to daily routines and fostered proactive behavior. Development of personal goals: The intrinsic meaning of the sports activity itself was crucial. Various goals were identified, ranging from improving specific movements to enhancing fitness levels or achieving weight loss. The breadth, frequency, and quality of the sports program played a central role. Participants emphasized the importance of competent coaches for a high-quality experience. Participants strategically utilized the sports program to realize their perspectives and goals. For example, some used kickboxing as a means of coping with past experiences, while others engaged in dance activities due to personal passion. In summary, the anticipated findings of this study highlight the dual impact of sports participation within the exemplary sports program by beneFit: It provides stability amid life-related challenges and serves as an avenue for individuals to pursue and achieve their personal goals, positively influencing their overall well-being and life trajectories.

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