This scoping review addresses the question: “What academic literature exists on Sport-for-Development (SFD) programs for Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand, and what themes can be extrapolated from this scholarship?” Indeed, the aim was to identify key themes within literature to inform practice, policy, and future research implications. Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework, this review applies a Kaupapa Māori Theory (KMT) lens using the Ngā Poutama Whetū (NPW) analytical process, therefore centering Māori values in the synthesis and interpretation of SFD evidence. This ensures that kaupapa Māori aspirations remain central to the interpretation of the evidence. Searches conducted in Scopus, SocINDEX and SPORTDiscus, identified 17 relevant peer-reviewed articles published from 2007 to 2023. Thematic analysis identified three interconnected themes: cultural revitalization and identity, challenges and barriers, and holistic wellbeing, and community engagement. Across the literature corpus, SFD initiatives worked best when grounded in Kaupapa Māori, led by Māori, and structured by relationships that prioritized cultural safety, wellbeing and community-focused outcomes. In contrast, inconsistent governance, cultural misalignment, and systemic barriers continued to constrain Māori participation and self-determination in sport. This review contributes to sustained, Māori-led SFD approaches, identifies key research gaps and highlights NPW’s methodological contribution to strengthen Māori cultural identity.

Girls often face barriers to meaningful sport participation, especially within men-dominated sports. Increasing inclusive sport spaces for girls is crucial for fostering enjoyment in sport. Canadian Girls Baseball is a women-led organization that offers girls-only programming and intentional leadership opportunities to encourage girls’ retention in sport. The study purpose was to explore participants’ experiences of gender within this context. Twenty-four participants (17 youth, 7 junior coaches) completed a personal meaning map and engaged in a focus group. Two themes were created: (a) gendered realities in baseball and (b) gender-inclusive sport spaces for social and personal growth. Within theme one, participants articulated exposure to women mentors and girl-identifying peers encouraged their sustained involvement in baseball and facilitated positive shifts in baseball culture, which was meaningful given previous negative experiences in men-dominated baseball spaces. Within theme two, participants outlined that being in this girls-only environment fostered connection between peers and coaches, promoting a psychologically safe atmosphere, comfort, and authentic expression. The inclusive environment fostered empowerment and personal growth. Findings extend understanding of how girls-only sport spaces can reduce gendered barriers, promote inclusion, mentorship, and meaningful participation.