ABSTRACT
In introducing this text the authors draw on very recent trends in academia and sport policy which have emphasised an increased focus on the person in the coaching process. In doing so the introduction sets the scene for the rest of the book in highlighting the growing expectation on sport bodies and its coaches to be able to provide settings which meet the needs, interests and aspirations of diverse groups. Coaching is professionalising and it is incumbent on its workforce to widen access, improve opportunity and enhance quality of provision. Significant factors in achieving this are presented as enhancing practitioner understanding of diversity, and elevation of participant knowledge to at least equal status with technical and content knowledge bases which are traditionally prioritised by coaches and coach education.
