Led by Dr Gavin Ward

We are keen to support practitioners in sport coaching, sport development, and physical education and those wanting to enter these professions.  If you are interested in studying or collaborating with us to develop what you do, please contact SPARC@wlv.ac.uk

We apply sociological, educational and historical perspectives to develop rich understandings of the experiences of teachers, pupils, sports participants and community groups within sport, physical activity, and Physical Education (PE).  These insights contribute to debate and inform policy and practice by better understanding the inclusive, diverse, and equitable nature of these experiences.  The research we undertake often involves collaborative work with external partners and stakeholders.  Thematic examples of our work include:

Sport History

We have generated a large body of research interrogating the historical aspects of sport culture and policy, as well as enhancing collections in globally significant sporting archives.  For example, we have worked with Silverstone, the National Football Museum to curate the historical participation of women in sport.  The first analysis of its kind of football clothing, boots, trainers and football replica shirts to spectator wear and athlete styling has also be completed.  The findings were published in a special edition of the Sport in History Journal with a more extensive analysis presented in a book published by Routledge, both works entitled Kit: Fashioning the sporting body.  Our research exploring contemporary women's sporting histories illustrates how previous generations have struggled for the opportunity to take part in sport, celebrates their achievements and establishes their legacy for future generations.

Pedagogy

Our research in education has examined learning cultures and pedagogical approaches within PE and the consequences of teachers’ socialisation on their approaches to teaching.  We also make a significant contribution to internally funded research which develops the impact of our teaching and the exploration of diversity and equality experienced by staff and students.  The outcomes of this internal research has led to changes in practice such as our approach to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.  We work with local schools, colleges, formal and informal professional networks, to support pedagogical practice.  This is represented in outreach projects, undergraduate and postgraduate research studies.  Staff contributing to this work have significant professional experience within sport development, sport coaching and teaching.

Equality and Diversity

We support commercial partners working with diverse populations to develop their practice.  For example, in 2021 SPARC were commissioned by Move It or Lose It! an organisation which provides physical activity for elderly people.  We developed and analysed a survey to evaluate the effectiveness and reach of their video club which was developed to overcome COVID-19 and the restrictions placed upon face-to-face classes for their clients.  Our findings helped the organisers to identify what users were enjoying and using and what areas of their resource needed developing.  The results of this survey have also initiated a change in the impetus to consider the diversity in the company’s user groups.

We are the first department within the University of Wolverhampton to have been awarded an Athena, Scientific Women’s Academic Network (SWAN), Bronze Award. Completing this application has required significant internal research examining equality and diversity for staff and students.  This research was completed by members of SPARC and has provided the basis for a critical oversight of equality and diversity within the Sport Department and the production of a monitored action plan.    To initiate this plan a University wide Athena SWAN seminar series has been developed to support career development within sport and knowledge industries.  We are now setting up a more robust internal mentoring network and career development structures.

Staff are also developing a British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) conference showcasing and promoting diversity of those working within Sport and Exercise Sciences.  In recognition of our work, the sport department Athena SWAN self-assessment team was shortlisted in 2019-20 for a VC staff award for staff excellence.  We are also currently investigating student experiences of those with diverse backgrounds studying sport on our campus to help us understand and support their attainment.