# The effects of 7-week participation in football on personal well-being among male asylum seekers in a UK hotel

## TL;DR

Playing football for 7 weeks improved the well-being of male asylum seekers in UK hotels, especially in life satisfaction and happiness.

## Contribution

This study provides evidence that football participation can enhance personal well-being among male asylum seekers in contingency accommodation.

## Key findings

- 2 hours of football participation significantly improved life satisfaction, feeling life is worthwhile, and happiness.
- Participants' well-being scores shifted from 'low' to 'medium' on the ONS4 scale.
- Anxiety levels remained unchanged regardless of football participation.

## Abstract

This study examines the impact of participating in a seven-week football programme on the personal well-being of male asylum seekers residing in contingency accommodation in the UK.

This repeated measures study included a cohort of participants who engaged in weekly football sessions and completed a well-being questionnaire (ONS4) over a continuous seven-week period. Longitudinal linear regression analysis using generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to assess the relationship between personal well-being and weekly minutes of football participation (M1). A second model incorporating the total number of non-football activity sessions in the past week as a covariate was also implemented (M2).

Of the 73 participants who completed the questionnaire, 23 responded twice or more across the study period and were subsequently included in the analysis. Results revealed that 2 h of football participation within 7 days significantly improved aspects of personal well-being when compared with no football participation, including improved life satisfaction, feeling life is worthwhile, and happiness. Both models demonstrated a shift from ‘low’ to ‘medium’ ONS4 categorical score. Anxiety levels remained unchanged regardless of participation and model.

We provide important evidence on the potential benefits of football participation for promoting personal well-being among male asylum seekers residing in contingency accommodation.

•Football improves the well-being of male asylum seekers in contingency accommodation.•Significant increases in life satisfaction, sense of worth, and happiness.•Participants' well-being was significantly lower than the national average.•Use of a nationwide survey establishes credibility and a benchmark for future research.

Football improves the well-being of male asylum seekers in contingency accommodation.

Significant increases in life satisfaction, sense of worth, and happiness.

Participants' well-being was significantly lower than the national average.

Use of a nationwide survey establishes credibility and a benchmark for future research.