Annual Conference 2014
'Sport and the politics of Exclusion', Liverpool John Moores University
Andy Burnham MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Health, was the keynote speaker at the Sport and Politics group’s 8th annual conference. This was hosted by Liverpool John Moores University, 21-22 February, on the overarching theme of ‘Sport and the politics of exclusion’.
During his keynote address, Burnham outlined the importance of sport policy in shaping a modern health agenda. He reflected on how a modern NHS would need to take preventative strategies in dealing with future health problems. He used the conference to outline new policy ideas and his aim to get “50 per cent of the population involved in regular sports activity by 2025.” However, he warned that without national Government "prioritising spending on sports and physical activity", and making the provision of accessible public facilities a statutory requirement, many local authorities would continue to sell off playing fields and sports clubs.
During his keynote address, Burnham outlined the importance of sport policy in shaping a modern health agenda. He reflected on how a modern NHS would need to take preventative strategies in dealing with future health problems. He used the conference to outline new policy ideas and his aim to get “50 per cent of the population involved in regular sports activity by 2025.” However, he warned that without national Government "prioritising spending on sports and physical activity", and making the provision of accessible public facilities a statutory requirement, many local authorities would continue to sell off playing fields and sports clubs.
Delegates from as far afield as Los Angeles, Moscow and Melbourne, attended the two day conference, which was organised by LJMU’s Peter Millward, John Hayton, and Ian Beattie. Day one of the conference saw parallel sessions on Football and Community Development in South Africa, Politics of Exclusion in 21st century Serbian football, Women and Sport Participation, Sport Youth Culture and Public Space. On day two, delegates heard from keynote speaker Professor Maurice Roche, who talked about ‘Mega-events, Globalisation and Development: BRICS and Major Sport Events in the Contemporary Period’. The talk built and extended upon his seminal book Mega Events and Modernity (2000, Routledge).
Conference organiser Peter Millward commented:
"The event was a tremendous success. We have received positive comments about the quality of papers and the collegial atmosphere and we’re delighted so many early career researchers presented.”
Plans are now underway for the 9th annual conference, to be hosted by Durham University in spring 2015.
We would like to thank Taylor & Francis for their support.
Conference programme
Conference organiser Peter Millward commented:
"The event was a tremendous success. We have received positive comments about the quality of papers and the collegial atmosphere and we’re delighted so many early career researchers presented.”
Plans are now underway for the 9th annual conference, to be hosted by Durham University in spring 2015.
We would like to thank Taylor & Francis for their support.
Conference programme
Photo below (left to right): Dr Paul Gilchrist (co-convenor, PSA Sport and
Politics Group), Andy Burnham MP, Dr Peter Millward (conference organiser,
Liverpool John Moores University)
