Football Cooperative, a community based physical activity social intervention for men: Translational formative evaluation of a replication study to inform national and international dissemination(Ref: SETU_2024_213).

 

Project Key Words: (enter 3 to help advertise on online platforms)

–       Implementation Science

–       Men’s Health,

–       Public Health

Post summary

Applications are invited for a PhD Scholarship to investigate a community based physical activity social intervention for men called Football Cooperative. 

Loneliness is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality of the leading causes of death. It is a common experience among men in Ireland; men are also at an increased risk of COVID-19 related unemployment related isolation, loneliness and suicide. Football Cooperative (FC) provides social ‘pick up football’ games for men aimed at reducing social isolation among men and improving their overall health and wellbeing. Since 2021, FC has been the subject of a feasibility study for scale up [Stage 1] and an implementation science study to develop an implementation strategy to replicate FC at scale [Stage 2]. Adopting an implementation science approach, the current study proposes to investigate the processes of replicating the FC initiative at scale [Y1 from the existing 2 sites to -12 sites; Y2 30 sites; Y3 60 sites] with a view to identifying implementation barriers and facilitators, and addressing potential barriers to implementation thereby ensuring fidelity and equitable benefit for participants across sites. The findings from this study will inform both the national scale up of the FC initiative and its translation internationally.

Qualifications

Essential

·      A primary degree in either the field of business, health (or health related) or social studies (at least 2.1 honours standard). 

Desirable

·      A Masters degree in either the field of business, health (or health related) or social studies. 

·      Has some education in the field of health (or health related), social studies, health economics, men’s health and/or physical activity.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

·      Has some experience of conducting a research project independently.

·      Has some experience of collecting and analysing quantitative data and conducting statistical analysis.

Desirable

·      Has some experience of collecting and analysing qualitative data.

 Skills & Competencies

Essential

·      Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate on application that they meet SETU’s English language requirements and provide all necessary documentation. See Page 7 of the Code of Practice

·      In order to be shortlisted for interview, you must meet the SETU English speaking requirements so please provide evidence in your application. 

·      Capable of working as part of a team.

·      Good communication skills.

·      Good project management skills.

·      Good IT skills.

·      Capable of working independently and to use ones own initiative.

·      Good capacity to problem solve.

Desirable

·      Are proficient in the use of Microsoft OneDrive, Teams, Zoom and SPSS.

·      Have good academic writing skills.