ABSTRACT
Sport has been consistent in its claims to be an arena where we can play unfettered by the inequities of a wider society which could learn much from the way sport is played, organised and conducted. The power of sport to transform individuals and communities is a popular argument evident in sport policy and practice at all levels (Polley, 1998; Houlihan and White, 2002; Bramham in this edition). The original ‘Sport for All?’ campaign was a creation of the early 1970s and has long since been succeeded by a multitude of campaigns and causes. But the ideals of ‘Sport for All?’ still have resonance today as a clarion call for all involved in sports development. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, outlined with the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR, 2002: 2) how sport needs to be encouraged as a tool of social policy, but with the caveat that he was no longer satisfied with the anecdotal evidence that ‘sport is good for you’. Despite its attractions, the reality of ‘Sport for All?’ has never been fully achieved, and successes remain incomplete and partial. Gains have been made, but massive inequalities still remain. However, tackling inequality must continue as a central premise and aim of sports development. In order to tackle inequality, inequality itself must be better understood. If the aim is to foster ‘inclusion’, then ‘exclusion’ and its social context must be better identified and understood.
CONTENT AND PROCESS
