Understanding Sport in International Development

This book makes an important contribution to the growing literature on sport in international development. It introduces and explores the practice and efficacy of international sport development through the experiences of young people who become engaged in sport programmes, as described in their own words and those of other members of their communities.

Drawing on the findings of three in-depth research studies conducted with young people in Brazil, India and Zambia, the book provides a critical and wide-ranging portrayal of the role that sport can play within the lives of young people, locating this firmly within wider social, economic and political contexts.

Alongside its delivery of new empirical research on young people, the book engages with fundamental academic debates surrounding 'evidencing' impacts of sport and explores issues surrounding the cultural specificity of research approaches currently in use in sport in development work. This contribution to theory and methodology has important implications beyond the international development context, to the broader area of research surrounding evidencing the impacts of sport.

Based on unique data, the book extends our knowledge and understanding of youth sport and is essential reading for anybody with an interest in sport development, international development or sport in society.

Tess Kay is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Sport and Exercise Science, Loughborough University, UK. She has undertaken extensive research into sport, leisure and family life in the UK and internationally. She is a Director of the Institute of Youth Sport, one of the largest research centres dedicated to the study of young people, sport and leisure.