Equality, diversity and inclusion

Our research, expertise and experience is applied to the real world problems of populations disadvantaged or under-represented due to age, disability, gender, poverty, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual/gender orientation, and social class.

Utilising established and innovative methodologies, we critically examine structural and cultural inequalities and assess the effectiveness of measures taken to promote diversity and inclusion in and through sport.

We work with a broad range of funders and stakeholders including research councils, charities and social enterprises, national and international governing bodies of sport, policy makers, government, sports clubs and commercial organisations.

Our research informs the strategic, operational and representational aspects of sport, enhancing participation, coaching, leadership and governance in sport, and the promotion of positive outcomes including educational engagement and attainment, health and social wellbeing.

Our academic staff are happy to discuss research collaboration, as well as research studentships and self-funded PhDs. To find out more about academics working in this research area, please click on the 'People' tab below.

Research

Current research specialisms include:

  • Factors influencing marginalised young people’s engagement in physical education, physical activity and sport with a focus on the experiences of young people who experience disability
  • Representation and experiences of ethnically diverse players, coaches and leaders, and effectiveness of measures to address racialised inequities in sports
  • Parental facilitation of children's engagement with elite parasport
  • Sport, physical activity and education for development (UNESCO)
  • Social class, disadvantaged communities and sport
  • Gender equality and inclusion in para sport media.

Experts in Sport podcast: Race, ethnicity, and racism in sports coaching

Host Martin Foster introduces an international online forum featuring leading academics looking at the key themes in race, ethnicity, and racism in sports coaching.

 

Listen here