Study on the status of professional sports in community development and the reality of efforts to solve problems

Focusing on the collaboration of J-League clubs with local governments

Abstract

In order to demonstrate their value, professional sports clubs need to play a public role by collaborating with local governments and solving local social issues. Through the analysis of local government plans, the government expects sports clubs to play roles of “medical care, health, and education,” “regional revitalization,” and "local community”. On the other hand, there are some differences between the actual status of Home Town activities of J-League clubs and the description in the plans through the analysis of questionnaire. The interview surveys revealed that professional sports clubs contribute to solving social issues in a wide range of fields including urban development by utilizing their own resources and are actively involved in promoting policies.