Within the settler and nation-states, the idea of social inclusion clashes with the rights of Indigenous Peoples for self-determination and sovereignty, as distinctive Indigenous worldviews and historical assimilation processes are not being considered. Inclusion, in most cases, presupposes assimilation into mainstream sports models. Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars call for reconsidering the core ideas of social inclusion. This paper explores how social inclusion in and through sport mega-events is understood and experienced by Sámi and non-Indigenous people. With the help of Árbediehtu (Sámi traditional knowledge) and critical thematic analysis (CTA), we suggest a more nuanced approach to social inclusion with and for Indigenous Peoples, which includes: (a) identity and cultural safety, (b) value of Indigenous cultures and knowledge, and (c) historical and current needs and backgrounds. Despite the broad political argumentation that the sports context provides great opportunities for inclusion, our results suggest that sports is a difficult context for enacting an Indigenous identity. The difficulty lies among other things in the sport-for-all policy view, in which Sámi do not always (want to) identify with. The findings can inform future sports event organisers and policy makers within mainstream sports system.

Ross Walker1 1 Faculty of Health, Sport and Society, University of Stirling, Scotland, UK 1 Academy of Sport, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK Citation: Walker, R. (2026). Coaching for Development: Generating Social Impact through Improved Emotional Wellbeing. Journal of Sport for Development. Retrieved from https://jsfd.org/ Download article as PDF ABSTRACT Coaches are key influencers and […]

Recent research in the field of sport for development (SFD) has examined how organisational dynamics, such as the structure and management of SFD organisations, might better facilitate the impact of sport-based interventions. Such research has highlighted the increasingly precarious policy and funding landscape within SFD, noting how organisational survival is a constant pressure, and the need to be resilient, adaptable, and sustainable, has assumed a higher strategic priority. In addition, various scholars in the field have appealed for research that draws upon the ideas, experiences, and reflections of practitioners to directly explore how stakeholders across the SFD landscape are responding to current challenges. This paper is a direct response to these appeals, drawing upon a qualitative research project that engaged 27 SFD organisations from across the globe. The paper presents the reflections of representatives of these organisations, highlighting the challenges currently evident in the SFD sector, how they might be countered, and how they may also present opportunities for the sector. Specifically, the paper provides empirical evidence in relation to three themes: (i) the implications of current (short-term) funding models, (ii) the subsequent impact on building organisational capacity, and (iii) the challenges of engaging at a government/policy level.

This qualitative single-case study explores how culturally responsive practices are enacted within Net Worth, a sport-based youth development organization serving Black youth in a marginalized community in Florida, United States. Centered around an out-of-school-time tennis program, the study examines the mindsets and experiences of administrators, staff, and volunteers engaged in promoting positive youth development through a non-traditional sport. Data sources included 53 field observations, 29 semi-structured interviews, archival documents, and organizational artifacts. Using deductive thematic analysis, the study identified patterns and themes of cultural responsiveness, highlighting both effective practices and areas needing improvement. Findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how cultural responsiveness operates in sport-based youth development settings and offer implications for enhancing inclusive and contextually relevant programming.

Countries in the Global South are marginalized in the international parasport space. While international aid has contributed to the development of parasport in the Global South, the aid was often given without clear evidence of local needs. The purpose of this study was to identify the needs related to parasport development in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic based on the lived experience of parasport stakeholders. As such, this paper is highly original and provides a detailed examination of a significant yet underexplored area. A total of 14 parasport stakeholders participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven para-athletes, six parasport coaches, and one administrator. Transcribed interview data were analyzed with Thematic Analysis. The findings demonstrated the tangible need for parasport equipment and standardized facilities. Although less tangible, the need for a parasport coach training system was evident for parasport development. Perhaps more latent but equally important was the need for inclusive employment, as para-athletes require an income to continue training and competing. The findings indicate that parasport development cannot be achieved by sports policy alone. There is a need for greater focus on developing a more inclusive society, which suggests the need for inter-ministerial collaborations to develop parasport.

The formal recognition of sport as a developmental tool by the United Nations in 2003 brought sport into the development arena. The alignment of Sport for Development (SFD) with development distinguishes it from community club and high-performance sports. SFD is also distinguished by the fact that SFD implementing organisations rely on external funding to maintain operations. The funder-implementer relationship is, therefore, crucial as this interorganisational relationship (IOR) support the sustainability of the sector. In this study, we conducted a scoping review of the scholarly literature examining the IORs between and amongst funding and implementing organisations involved in SFD. Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework, we searched peer-reviewed academic literature published between 2009 and 2024. Searching four electronic databases, we identified 27 journal articles exploring aspects of the IORs between funding and implementing organisations in SFD. The thematic analysis identified four themes: a) motivation to engage in an IOR; b) issues of power impacting on IOR; c) tensions within funder-implementer IORs; and d) strategies to create value within the funder-implementer IOR.