How Sport Brings Us Together

In an increasingly disconnected world, where social isolation exacts a major toll on the wellbeing of individuals and communities, How Sport Brings Us Together breaks new ground with a unique interdisciplinary exploration of how social connection is created, experienced, sustained, and sometimes impeded in sport.

Weaving insights from neuroscience, physiology, psychology, governance, sociology, anthropology, and other disciplines, the book reveals that the factors driving social connection—while operating at different scales—share far more commonalities than previously recognised. It identifies real-world applications and creative interventions across the sports ecosystem—from grassroots to elite—in coaching, health promotion, sustainable high performance, community programming, and sport for development, that can help build healthier, more cohesive societies.

Full of examples, vignettes and reflections, this book is essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand and cultivate human connection through sport