Background and Objective: The development of intergenerational sport in urban environments, as an approach to enhancing sports participation among different age groups, requires simultaneous consideration of social, environmental, spatial, economic, and managerial dimensions. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the factors influencing the sustainable development of intergenerational sport in urban environments in Iran.
Methodology: This applied study employed a qualitative approach using thematic analysis. The research population comprised sport sciences and sociology professors, managers and experts from provincial Departments of Sport and Youth, presidents and managers of sports federations and associations, as well as researchers and specialists with academic or executive experience in the field of intergenerational sport in Iran. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The quality of the study was assessed based on the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The within-theme agreement coefficient was 91%.
Results and Findings: The findings indicated that the factors influencing the sustainable development of intergenerational sport in urban environments could be organized into 112 key points, 39 initial codes, 20 concepts, and 6 main categories, including environmental sustainability, spatial and physical organization in sport, social cohesion and intergenerational interaction, investment and sport marketing, sustainable transportation and accessibility, and urban governance and planning. Accordingly, the sustainable development of intergenerational sport is a multidimensional phenomenon that depends on the interaction and synergy among environmental, spatial, social, economic, transportation, and managerial requirements. These findings can provide a basis for urban planning and the development of sports spaces and services tailored to the needs of different age groups.