ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the meaning and importance of 'community' for contemporary sport fans. Sport, and in particular sport venues, have traditionally served as a common expression of local identity. Though sport can often be seen as representative of a particular location, it does not necessarily mean that this will represent all communities or individuals within that specific location. It is evident that within certain locations different sports may draw support from different 'communities'. The role sport plays as representative of a particular community is also fluid, and in certain situations or contexts, who is represented may vary greatly. However, supporter communities are not just defined by a shared sense of belonging, but also by patterns of exclusion and even opposition to others. 'Community' is essentially a relational concept; communities are defined in relation to one another as well as by the quality of the relationships internal to the community.
