Examining Sports Development

Sports development takes place in continually evolving – and expanding – territory. If new policies are to be implemented effectively, it is vital to understand how development policy translates into the real world. Until now no single text has examined how sports development policies are implemented and experienced ‘at the coal face’ of community and performance sport.

As well as critical analysis of models and concepts in sports development, Examining Sports Development presents original case studies from practising sports development professionals working in a variety of areas, including:



national and regional policy


school sport


talent identification and development


sports club development


coach development


sport and social inclusion


sports and crime prevention


sports and health promotion.
Sports development is evolving as a profession, especially in matters of education and training. This book encourages critical reflection, pointing the way to accountable policymaking and a long-term future for sports development professionals. It is essential reading for all students and practitioners working in sports development.

Mike Collins was a Senior Lecturer in Recreation Management at Loughborough University for over ten years before 'retiring' to part-time work in Sports Development and Faith Communities at the University of Gloucestershire. Prior to holding this position he founded and then directed the Institute of Sport and Recreation Planning and Management at the same university for five years.

Preface. Introduction. 1. Concepts in Sports Development 2. Sport in the Service of the Community / Cross Cutting Issues Section A: Case Studies of Organising for Sports Development A1. The National Framework A2. Sport through Education A3. A New Active Sports Partnership – Lancashire A4. Higher Education, Performance and Excellence A5. Sports Development in a Devolved System – Scotland A6. Sports Development in a Regional Setting – the North East Section B: Case Studies of Sports Development Processes B1. Building a Legacy for Youth and for Coaches? Champion Coaching in the North West B2. Strengthening the Club System B3. Developing Excellence – Scottish Volleyball B4. Sports Development in Microcosm B5. Preventing Crime – Streetsport, Stoke B6. Sport Promoting Health 3. Sports Development as a Job and a Career 4. Conclusions. Bibliography. Author. Index. Subject Index.