Implementing Sport Policy: Organisational Perspectives on the UK Sport System

This book critically examines the roles and contributions of different organisations in the implementation of sport policy in the UK and, therefore, provides an important guide to the complexities of implementing sport policy and of achieving policy goals through, and for, sport.

Presenting analytical chapters by leading sport researchers alongside shorter commentaries by practitioners working in the field, this book outlines the uneven path between policy planning and real-world outcomes. Adopting a multi-level analysis, this book examines the interlocking structures and challenges of organisations, from grassroots voluntary sport to national governing bodies and professional clubs, and considers the most important issues affecting UK sport policy today.

This is fascinating reading for any student, researcher or practitioner working in sport policy, sport for development, sport management, sport coaching, physical education and related areas of policy such as public health, community development, social policy, public policy and education.

Marc Keech is Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton, UK, teaching and researching Sport Policy and Sport Management. Marc has acted as a consultant and researcher for a range of organisations for 30 years. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Marc was the Higher Education (HE) representative on the national CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) Professional Development Board from 2018 to 2020. He has been the HE representative on the Professional Development Committee for Community Sport since 2021.

Iain Lindsey is Associate Professor in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University, UK. Iain’s research has primarily examined sport policy and development, especially youth sport policy in the UK and the use of sport for development in Africa. This research has been undertaken at both global and national levels as well as in a variety of local and community contexts. Iain’s research is underpinned by theories and methodologies from the fields of political science and international development.

John Hayton is Assistant Professor in Sport Development in the Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria University, UK. John’s research has coalesced around the policy, delivery and management of sport in and by the non-profit and voluntary sector. John has published widely in areas such as sport volunteering, sport-based interventions, austerity and sport, and the role and management of non-profit organisations in the delivery of sport, physical activity and physical recreation.