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Sports Marketing
by Michael J. Fetchko Donald P. Roy Vassilis DalakasHighly practical and engaging, Sports Marketing equips students with the skills, techniques, and tools they need to be successful marketers in any sporting environment. The book blends relevant marketing theory—focusing on industry-specific terminology and practices—with practitioner insights into current issues and future directions in the sports industry. This anticipated third edition has been fully updated to incorporate a broad range of global and diverse perspectives from industry experts and international case studies throughout. Contemporary topics within the sports industry have been expanded upon, including esports, social responsibility, sustainability, digital and social media, and personal branding. Popular "You Make the Call" cases, insider and early career insights, and review questions stimulate lively classroom discussion, while chapter summaries and terms support further support learning. Overall, this exciting text will: • Increase students’ depth of knowledge about sports marketing • Challenge students to apply concepts to real-world situations • Profile best practices of organizations and individuals within the sports industry as they relate to the book’s content • Equip students to position themselves to compete for entry-level positions in sports business • Provide faculty with a concise but thorough text that meets their needs. Sports Marketing remains a core textbook for undergraduate and postgraduate students of sports marketing and management, providing a firm grasp of the ins and outs of working in sports. Additional online resources include PowerPoint slides for each chapter, a test bank of questions, and an instructor’s manual.
Sports Policy and Politics in the Western Balkans (Routledge Research in Sport Politics and Policy)
by Marko BegovićThis book examines how states in the post-socialist Western Balkans region have used sport as a policy tool, and how sport in the region has been shaped by politics, history, and culture. Looking closely at the intersection of sports policy and politics in the countries of Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, this book explores the roles of sport in nation-building and how sport has been used by regimes looking to establish political legitimacy in the transition from the post-socialist era. It offers a fascinating insight into the way that sport has been co-opted for political purposes, and into the complexities of formulating sports policy and wider public policy in societies in which governance structures may be weak and in which clientelism, corruption, and partisanship pose constant challenges. This book is fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in the history and politics of sport, in public policy, or in the history, politics, and culture of the former Yugoslav countries.
Sports Policy and Politics in the Western Balkans (Routledge Research in Sport Politics and Policy)
by Marko BegovićThis book examines how states in the post-socialist Western Balkans region have used sport as a policy tool, and how sport in the region has been shaped by politics, history, and culture. Looking closely at the intersection of sports policy and politics in the countries of Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, this book explores the roles of sport in nation-building and how sport has been used by regimes looking to establish political legitimacy in the transition from the post-socialist era. It offers a fascinating insight into the way that sport has been co-opted for political purposes, and into the complexities of formulating sports policy and wider public policy in societies in which governance structures may be weak and in which clientelism, corruption, and partisanship pose constant challenges. This book is fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in the history and politics of sport, in public policy, or in the history, politics, and culture of the former Yugoslav countries.
Sports Psychology: Concepts and Applications
by S. K. Mangal Shubhra MangalThis book analyses the essential aspects of sports psychology by throwing light on issues related to the upkeep of athletes’ mental state and improving their performance in sports activities. On one hand, it covers topics like anxiety, stress, conflicts, overtraining, and sports injuries, and on the other, it includes strategies helpful for managing and developing skills for better performance in various sports activities. In its wide coverage, the volume discusses a range of key topics which include: • Sports psychology: historical perspectives and the present position • Contribution of heredity and environment, the role of growth and development, and the individual differences in sports psychology • How factors like intelligence, cognitive and emotional processes, personality, and motivation influence learning and the transfer of learning • The role of attention, concentration, and focus in the performance of athletes • Athletes’ mental and psyche levels displayed in the states of their anxiety, stress and conflicts, and aggression and violence • Sports injuries and their management • Overtraining and Burnout in Athletes • Group dynamics and guidance and counseling in the learning and development of the athletes, etc. Engaging and reader friendly, this book will be useful to students, researchers, and teachers of physical education, psychology, applied psychology, and sports psychology. It will also be key reading for trainees of the various sport academies, coaches, sports associations, managing bodies, and sport psychologists.
Sports Psychology: Concepts and Applications
by S. K. Mangal Shubhra MangalThis book analyses the essential aspects of sports psychology by throwing light on issues related to the upkeep of athletes’ mental state and improving their performance in sports activities. On one hand, it covers topics like anxiety, stress, conflicts, overtraining, and sports injuries, and on the other, it includes strategies helpful for managing and developing skills for better performance in various sports activities. In its wide coverage, the volume discusses a range of key topics which include: • Sports psychology: historical perspectives and the present position • Contribution of heredity and environment, the role of growth and development, and the individual differences in sports psychology • How factors like intelligence, cognitive and emotional processes, personality, and motivation influence learning and the transfer of learning • The role of attention, concentration, and focus in the performance of athletes • Athletes’ mental and psyche levels displayed in the states of their anxiety, stress and conflicts, and aggression and violence • Sports injuries and their management • Overtraining and Burnout in Athletes • Group dynamics and guidance and counseling in the learning and development of the athletes, etc. Engaging and reader friendly, this book will be useful to students, researchers, and teachers of physical education, psychology, applied psychology, and sports psychology. It will also be key reading for trainees of the various sport academies, coaches, sports associations, managing bodies, and sport psychologists.
Sports Skill Analysis
by Weidong Li Boyi Dai Qin ZhuGuided by the conceptualization of content knowledge, this book covers sports analysis (identification of techniques and tactics), skill analysis (identification of critical elements, observation, evaluation of students’ performance through error detection, and interventions), and biomechanical principles and their applications to skill performance and analysis, which teachers or coaches need to possess for effective teaching and coaching. The importance for preservice and in-service physical education teachers or coaches to acquire in-depth content knowledge is supported by national standards and research. Studies have shown that an improvement in preservice and in-service physical education teachers’ specialized content knowledge leads to an increase in their pedagogical content knowledge, which results in better learning and performance among students. Practical examples for conducting sports and skill analysis, designing teaching progressions for interventions, and applying biomechanical principles are provided. This book equips teachers or coaches with knowledge and skills to conduct sports and skill analysis, which are essential for effective teaching and coaching, and will be key reading for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in physical education teacher education and sports coaching and in-service physical education teachers and current coaches.
Sports Skill Analysis
by Weidong Li Boyi Dai Qin ZhuGuided by the conceptualization of content knowledge, this book covers sports analysis (identification of techniques and tactics), skill analysis (identification of critical elements, observation, evaluation of students’ performance through error detection, and interventions), and biomechanical principles and their applications to skill performance and analysis, which teachers or coaches need to possess for effective teaching and coaching. The importance for preservice and in-service physical education teachers or coaches to acquire in-depth content knowledge is supported by national standards and research. Studies have shown that an improvement in preservice and in-service physical education teachers’ specialized content knowledge leads to an increase in their pedagogical content knowledge, which results in better learning and performance among students. Practical examples for conducting sports and skill analysis, designing teaching progressions for interventions, and applying biomechanical principles are provided. This book equips teachers or coaches with knowledge and skills to conduct sports and skill analysis, which are essential for effective teaching and coaching, and will be key reading for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in physical education teacher education and sports coaching and in-service physical education teachers and current coaches.
Sports Sponsorship and Branding: Global Perspectives and Emerging Trends (World Association for Sport Management Series)
by Ho Keat Leng James J. ZhangThis book takes a close look at branding and sponsorship in sport in the age of digital media. It examines how branding and sponsorship have evolved in response to the challenges and opportunities of new technologies. Featuring the work of leading international sport business researchers from four continents and twelve countries, the book explores key contemporary topics including esports, Name and Image Likeness (NIL) rights, viewer experience, machine learning, social media use by athletes, sport migration, and the impact of COVID-19. It presents cutting-edge cases and new data across sports and events including the Olympics, the NBA, international football, the rafting world championships, and collegiate sports. The book is an essential resource for advanced students, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers working in sport business and management, sport marketing, digital marketing, marketing communications or brand management.
Sports Sponsorship and Branding: Global Perspectives and Emerging Trends (World Association for Sport Management Series)
This book takes a close look at branding and sponsorship in sport in the age of digital media. It examines how branding and sponsorship have evolved in response to the challenges and opportunities of new technologies. Featuring the work of leading international sport business researchers from four continents and twelve countries, the book explores key contemporary topics including esports, Name and Image Likeness (NIL) rights, viewer experience, machine learning, social media use by athletes, sport migration, and the impact of COVID-19. It presents cutting-edge cases and new data across sports and events including the Olympics, the NBA, international football, the rafting world championships, and collegiate sports. The book is an essential resource for advanced students, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers working in sport business and management, sport marketing, digital marketing, marketing communications or brand management.
Stand-up Paddleboarding in the Lake District: Beautiful places to paddleboard in Cumbria
by Jo MoseleyStand-up Paddleboarding in the Lake District is the essential guide for anyone interested in discovering and enjoying this popular sport at its leading UK location – the stunning Lake District National Park. Jo Moseley, passionate paddleboarder and adventurer advocate, writes with a friendly voice about her SUP experiences – you'll really feel like you're out on the water with her. Take to the gentle shores of Grasmere stopping for a picnic along the way, appreciate the majestic scenery on a paddle across Derwent Water, enjoy sunset from your board at Buttermere, or traverse the remote and rugged Wast Water – it's up to you how adventurous you want to be. You will be sure to see an entirely different side of the Lakes out on the water on your paddleboard. There is detailed, practical information provided for each lake: you'll discover the best launch spots, where to paddle to once you're out on the water, how to get to the lake, where to stop for a well-earned coffee and cake afterwards, and where to stay for your own SUP adventure. The book is illustrated with stunning photography and handy maps are provided of the lakes so you can visualise the landscape. Jo also takes you through essential safely advice, how to choose your paddle and board, what to carry with you, and some top tips for if you want to SUP with a pup. Also, Jo discusses how to enjoy this sport in as low impact a way as possible, with everything from sustainable travel choices to biosecurity.
Strong Like Me: An empowering story celebrating strength from social commentator Kelechi Okafor
by Kelechi OkaforA heartwarming picture-book story about finding your own ways to be strong, from writer and social commentator Kelechi Okafor.“A BEAUTIFUL celebration of STRENGTH in all its forms.”Dapo AdeolaKamara loves being super strong - it makes her feel fizzy and zappy! But her classmates and their negative words lead her to question herself and the confidence she has in her physical ability.With sport's day and the Big Race looming, does Kamara have what it takes to reach the finish line?Strong Like Me is a timely picture-book debut by writer, social commentator and podcast host, Kelechi Okafor. This inspirational story sets out to help children discover their power, champion themselves, and be unapologetically secure in who they are. Packed full of heart, the story opens important conversations around ability, intersectionality, race and identity.
The Sustainability and Climate Change Curriculum Outdoors: Quality curriculum-linked outdoor education for pupils aged 7-11
by Deborah Lambert Sue Waite Michelle Roberts Alun MorganPromoting the inclusion of climate change and sustainability issues within the primary curriculum, this cutting-edge guide provides age-appropriate activities, curriculum links and opportunities for progression in knowledge and skills across lower and upper KS2.Designed to bring contemporary issues to life, the set of progressions include engaging and detailed lesson plans based around the Science National Curriculum throughout KS2. The book introduces essential curriculum concepts and teaches species identification, showing pupils how to encourage care and action for the natural world through outdoor activities linked to key curriculum goals. It demonstrates ways to progress children's learning through leadership in a model science curriculum and by the reformation of their own school grounds. Situating this teaching outside the classroom ensures that the developing concepts and knowledge are grounded in the real world, and being outdoors also has huge benefits for children's mental health and wellbeing. The guidance and templates for development planning are underpinned by current research, while vivid case studies bring these ideas to life.
Swift and Saddled: The must-read, small-town romance and TikTok sensation! (Rebel Blue Ranch)
by Lyla Sage'Opposites attract with truly combustible chemistry. This is a top read of the year for me' ELSIE SILVER, author of Flawless 'Tender, swoonworthy, and achingly romantic. . . Readers are going to be swept away by Ada and Wes' B.K. BORISON, author of Lovelight Farms She's the city girl who refuses to be saddled with a man. He's the cowboy who wants her anyway.The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career.When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can't seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she'll never see him again...except it turns out he's her new boss.Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family's ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. Too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can't stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada's walls are firmly in place.Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love?
Swimming Pool (Object Lessons)
by Dr. Piotr FlorczykObject Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.As a former world-ranked swimmer whose journey toward naturalization and U.S. citizenship began with a swimming fellowship, Piotr Florczyk reflects on his own adventures in swimming pools while taking a closer look at artists, architects, writers, and others who have helped to cement the swimming pool's prominent and iconic role in our society and culture.Swimming Pool explores the pool as a place where humans seek to attain the unique union between mind and body.Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.
There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension
by Hanif AbdurraqibONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2024 ACCORDING TO TIME, NPR, Chicago Review of Books, Lit Hub, Medium, The Millions, Book Riot, and more It might do all of us some good to reconsider what 'making it' even means. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, in the 1990s, Hanif Abdurraqib witnessed a golden era of basketball, one in which legends like LeBron James were forged -- and countless others weren’t. His lifelong love of the game leads Abdurraqib into a lyrical, historical, and emotionally rich exploration of what it means to make it, who we think deserves success, the tension between excellence and expectation, and the very notion of role models, all of which he expertly weaves together with intimate, personal storytelling.There’s Always This Year is a triumph from one of America’s most celebrated and insightful writers. It brims with joy, pain, solidarity, comfort, outrage, and hope. No matter the subject, Abdurraqib’s exquisite writing is always poetry, always profound, and always a clarion call to radically reimagine how we think about our culture, and ourselves.
Three Dads Walking: 300 Miles of Hope
by Tim Owen Mike Palmer Andy Airey'Truly heroic' Daniel Craig'A completely brilliant thing, to benefit so many' Nicole Kidman'Powerful and deeply moving' Andy Burnham'An epic journey . . . will touch the hearts of people everywhere' Lou Macari*Foreword from Dan Walker*'We were (and are) three ordinary dads who found ourselves in a desperate place we never expected to be, engulfed by pain and suffering beyond imagining, but who chose to push back, to not allow it to overwhelm us, to build something positive from the shattered pieces of our lives. We wanted to do something ... and this is what it became: Three Dads Walking.'These three dads would rather have never met. Strangers bound by grief, they joined together to save lives and became a national inspiration - one step at a time. This is their incredible journey. In memory of their young daughters - Sophie, Beth and Emily - who took their own lives, three dads set out on a 300-mile journey across the country, from the windswept Lakeland fells and Peak District dales to the open plains of the eastern Fens. Putting one foot in front of the other in spite of their pain, they capture the hearts of millions: laughing together, crying together, fighting to be heard. With each hill climbed and story shared, they begin to rediscover their faith in humanity and are inspired by the kindness of strangers across the land. Woven around personal diary entries and their own experiences of deep grief, this book, told in three distinct parts by each dad, grows into a beacon of hope for anyone struggling. Itʼs about the power of speaking out, of friendship, laughter and courage (and blisters). The three dads bear a heavy load, but they walk on for us all, finding light on the path after the darkest times.'Awe-inspiring' Carol Vorderman
Too Many Reasons to Live
by Rob BurrowWinner of the Sports Book Awards 2022The huge Sunday Times number one bestselling inspirational memoir from rugby league legend Rob Burrow on his extraordinary career, his incredible friendship with fellow Rhino Kevin Sinfield, and his battle with motor neurone disease.‘A pocket rocket of a player and a giant of a character . . . He is one in a million and his story is truly inspirational’ – Clare Balding‘I’m not giving in until my last breath’ – Rob BurrowRob Burrow is one of the greatest rugby league players of all time. And the most inspirational. As a boy, Rob was told he was too small to play the sport. Even when he made his debut for Leeds Rhinos, people wrote him off as a novelty. But Rob never stopped proving people wrong. During his time at Leeds, for whom he played almost 500 games, he won eight Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and three World Club Challenges. He also played for his country in two World Cups.In December 2019, Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a rare degenerative condition, and given a couple of years to live. He was only thirty-seven, not long retired and had three young children. When he went public with the devastating news, the outpouring of affection and support was extraordinary. When it became clear that Rob was going to fight it all the way, sympathy turned to awe.This is the story of a tiny kid who adored rugby league but never should have made it – and ended up in the Leeds hall of fame. It’s the story of a man who resolved to turn a terrible predicament into something positive – when he could have thrown the towel in. It’s about the power of love, between Rob and his childhood sweetheart Lindsey, and of the life-changing bond of friendship between Rob, Kevin Sinfield, and their Rhino teammates.Far more than a sports memoir, Too Many Reasons to Live is a remarkable, awe-inspiring story of boundless courage and infinite kindness.
Topper Book: Topper sailing from start to finish (Start to Finish)
by Dave Cockerill John CaigThe Topper is a brilliant boat – over 50,000 have been sold and thousands of people learn the basic sailing skills in Toppers every year. This is the only book which shows you how to rig, sail and race the Topper – right up to World Champion standard. It is packed full of advice, go-fast tips, photo sequences and diagrams. This new third edition covers all three Topper rigs (4.2, 5.3 and 6.4) and is fully up to date with details of the new rota-moulded (grey) boats as well as the traditional injection-moulded (red) boats. It starts by describing how to rig and sail the boat before moving on to racing and providing masterclasses for success in competitions. Written by GBR's longest-serving National Topper Coach and a former Topper National and European Champion, the book features recent Topper World and National Champions and is the bible for Topper sailing. UK Topper National Champion Jess Powell demonstrates the techniques required, as well as what not to do, in over 300 photos and has contributed to the text, making sure it is completely relevant to today's Topper sailors.
Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking—How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age
by Caroline PaulFrom the New York Times-bestselling author of The Gutsy Girl, a funny, inspiring, deeply researched exploration into the science and psychology of the outdoors and our place in it as we age.Caroline Paul has always filled her life with adventure: From mountain biking in the Bolivian Andes to pitching a tent, mid-blizzard, on Denali, she has never been a stranger to the exhilaration the outdoors can hold. Yet through it all, she has long wondered, Why aren't women, like men, encouraged to keep adventuring into old age? Tough Broad is her quest to understand not just how to live a dynamic life in a changing body, but why we must. She dives deep into the current research on aging, and highlights the results with the stories of women like ninety-three-year-old hiker Dot Fisher-Smith, eighty-year-old scuba diver Louise Wholey, fifty-two-year-old BASE jumper Shawn Brokemond, sixty-four-year-old birdwatcher Virginia Rose, and the many septuagenarian Wave Chasers who boogie board together in the San Diego surf. These women aren't experts. But their experiences and the scientific studies that back them up offer important insight into our own physical and emotional health as we age, showing that growing older is no reason for women to sell themselves short. Tough Broad is a high-spirited call for women to embrace the outdoors, not back away from it, in our fifties, sixties, seventies, and beyond, casting our own futures in a new and dazzling light
Training and Supervision in Sport and Exercise Psychology
by Paul Mccarthy Lindsey Burns Bryan McCann Sahen GuptaTraining and Supervision in Sport and Exercise Psychology presents a labyrinth of choices and challenges for trainees and supervisors, such as training and supervision mixing the science of doing sport and exercise psychology with the art of judgement and decision-making to deliver services to athletes. With a multitude of skills to master and competencies to gain, trainees and supervisors need assurances about best practice in their field and the assessments they can trust.Including cases, trainee autobiographical cases, and examples of good practice drawn from current and ex-trainees who have become sport psychology consultants, this book aims to educate trainees how to deal competently with professional and ethical guidelines. We aim to educate trainees to get started in service delivery, set up placement, work with clients, use supervision effectively, conduct academic research, and write sound assessments before preparing for a viva voce and beginning the transition to the workplace. This book shall serve trainees and their supervisors on their journey through to qualified status.Training and supervision to become a sport and exercise psychologist is of the utmost importance in the growing profession of sport and exercise psychology. This book aims to bring clarity, guidance, and support to learning and mastering professional skills in applied sport psychology service delivery. This book is key reading for undergraduates and postgraduates studying sport and exercise psychology and those studying for taught and professional doctorates in sport and exercise psychology.
Training and Supervision in Sport and Exercise Psychology
by Paul Mccarthy Lindsey Burns Bryan McCann Sahen GuptaTraining and Supervision in Sport and Exercise Psychology presents a labyrinth of choices and challenges for trainees and supervisors, such as training and supervision mixing the science of doing sport and exercise psychology with the art of judgement and decision-making to deliver services to athletes. With a multitude of skills to master and competencies to gain, trainees and supervisors need assurances about best practice in their field and the assessments they can trust.Including cases, trainee autobiographical cases, and examples of good practice drawn from current and ex-trainees who have become sport psychology consultants, this book aims to educate trainees how to deal competently with professional and ethical guidelines. We aim to educate trainees to get started in service delivery, set up placement, work with clients, use supervision effectively, conduct academic research, and write sound assessments before preparing for a viva voce and beginning the transition to the workplace. This book shall serve trainees and their supervisors on their journey through to qualified status.Training and supervision to become a sport and exercise psychologist is of the utmost importance in the growing profession of sport and exercise psychology. This book aims to bring clarity, guidance, and support to learning and mastering professional skills in applied sport psychology service delivery. This book is key reading for undergraduates and postgraduates studying sport and exercise psychology and those studying for taught and professional doctorates in sport and exercise psychology.
Trans Athletes’ Resistance: The Struggle for Justice in Sport (Emerald Studies in Sport and Gender)
by Ali Durham Greey, Helen Jefferson LenskyjWith sport representing one of the last bastions of binary thinking, trans and nonbinary athletes face formidable hurdles in their struggles for inclusion, acceptance, and freedom. Trans Athletes’ Resistance: The Struggle for Justice in Sport documents and analyses individual and collective resistance initiated by trans and nonbinary athletes and allies across a range of social-cultural and geopolitical contexts, from community sport to high-performance competition. In addition to sociological investigations of global, national, and local resistance, contributors present case studies and first-person accounts of struggles to challenge structural barriers and interpersonal hostility. Challenging policy-makers' binary definitions of males and females, the dominance of the achievement model, and toxic masculinity within sporting subcultures, the book explores how trans and nonbinary athletes not only resist transphobic policies and practices but also create new models of inclusive sport. The book has important implications for gender-inclusive policy development. Contributors present new methodologies and ways of theorizing the complex relationships among sex, gender, and sexuality in the equally complex terrain of sport and physical activity.
Trans Athletes’ Resistance: The Struggle for Justice in Sport (Emerald Studies in Sport and Gender)
by Ali Durham Greey Helen Jefferson LenskyjWith sport representing one of the last bastions of binary thinking, trans and nonbinary athletes face formidable hurdles in their struggles for inclusion, acceptance, and freedom. Trans Athletes’ Resistance: The Struggle for Justice in Sport documents and analyses individual and collective resistance initiated by trans and nonbinary athletes and allies across a range of social-cultural and geopolitical contexts, from community sport to high-performance competition. In addition to sociological investigations of global, national, and local resistance, contributors present case studies and first-person accounts of struggles to challenge structural barriers and interpersonal hostility. Challenging policy-makers' binary definitions of males and females, the dominance of the achievement model, and toxic masculinity within sporting subcultures, the book explores how trans and nonbinary athletes not only resist transphobic policies and practices but also create new models of inclusive sport. The book has important implications for gender-inclusive policy development. Contributors present new methodologies and ways of theorizing the complex relationships among sex, gender, and sexuality in the equally complex terrain of sport and physical activity.
Va-Va-Voom: The Modern History of French Football
by Tom Williams'Excellent' Simon Kuper, author of the bestselling FOOTBALL AGAINST THE ENEMY'The definitive story of how French football came of age' Christian Karembeu'Erudite and engrossing' Vincent Duluc, lead football writer, L'ÉQUIPETHE PLAYERS, THE TEAMS, THE GOALS, THE GAMES, THE SCANDALS, THE GLOOM AND THE GLORY: THE STORY OF FRENCH FOOTBALL'S CHEQUERED COMING OF AGE OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS.French football is an enigma: a puzzling jumble of brilliance and farce, flair and frailty, stunning success and abject failure. Its domestic league is mocked on social media as an uncompetitive 'Farmers League' and its clubs derided for underachieving in European competition. But France have reached four of the past seven men's World Cup finals, French players star week in, week out for the world's grandest clubs and the very best of French football – the roar of the Vélodrome, the glamour of the Parc des Princes, the shimmering brilliance of Zinédine Zidane, Éric Cantona and Kylian Mbappé – stands comparison with anything the sport has to offer. When it comes to scandal, meanwhile, the French are the best in the business, be it sensational match-fixing affairs, squabbles over sex tapes or meltdowns within the national squad.In this fascinating and exhaustively researched book, the first of its kind in the English language, Tom Williams brings to life French football's chequered coming of age over the last 40 years. He details how the starry-eyed romanticism that characterised the national team in the early 1980s gave way to an Italian-style pragmatism that would lead Les Bleus to the summit of the international game in the late 1990s, and examines how a succession of star-studded club sides grappled with the thorny (and distinctly un-French) notion of how to win. By delving into French football's rich history, he also explains the myriad ways – tactical, technical and cultural – in which France has shaped the game's evolution around the world.Featuring exclusive interviews with great figures of the French game such as Alain Giresse, Jean-Pierre Papin, Emmanuel Petit and Blaise Matuidi, and with a cast of characters that also includes Michel Platini, Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema, Chris Waddle and Lionel Messi, it's a book no football fan will want to miss.----'A comprehensive account of the highs, lows and scandals of French football' Jonathan Wilson, author of the bestselling INVERTING THE PYRAMID