SPHERE is an interdisciplinary research centre focused on understanding and addressing social inequalities in and through sport and physical activity. Our research explores how systems of power, identity, policy, and culture shape who participates and consumes sport, how it is governed, and what it means for health and wellbeing and value creation, both locally and globally.

We are committed not only to harnessing sport as a tool for positive change, but also to critically examining how inequalities are reproduced across sport and physical activity systems. Our work informs inclusive policy and practice to improve everyday experiences, health, and wellbeing.

Research Focus
Our research addresses inequalities across sport and physical activity settings, shaping inclusive policy and practice.  Members of the centre work across a range of disciplines – including health, management, marketing, education, psychology, coaching, public health, sociology, youth studies, cultural studies, feminism and share a commitment to make sport more inclusive.  We conduct interdisciplinary research into how sport and related physical cultures, across leisure, education, health and digital spaces, are structured, governed, and experienced. We work in direct collaboration with community organisations, policymakers, and international institutions to ensure our research translates into meaningful practice.

SPHERE is known for its critical, creative, and participatory approaches, including work with people with lived experience (PWLE) and alternative forms of dissemination such as podcasts, comics, and exhibitions. A forthcoming edited book, Social Sciences and Sport: Theories, Methods and Practice for Public Engagement, showcases our leadership in public engagement and creative methods.

 Research Themes

Cross-cutting themes include:

 Identity & Lived Experience: exploring how intersecting aspects of lived experience, such as gender, race, disability, family roles and life stage, shape engagement with sport, physical activity and health.

Sport for Development & Social Impact: how sport can promote education, health, inclusion, and community development in local and global contexts.

Governance, Media & Management: How sport is run, promoted, and consumed—and how these systems can be more inclusive, ethical and sustainable and contributing to the creation of a shared value.

Coaching & Education: Advancing equity and accessibility in coaching and Physical Education with a focus on inclusive pedagogies and practices.

Digital Cultures & Technology: Exploring the impact of digital cultures e.g. online gambling, social media, and health technologies – on wellbeing and engagement with sport.

Bodies & Movement: Inclusive movement practices, body image, and alternative and inclusive ways of being active.

Sustainable Futures: Climate action, environmental sustainability, long-term inclusion, and community wellbeing in sport.