Boundary spanning in sport for development: opening transdisciplinary and intersectoral perspectives

Abstract

We can no longer claim that academic interest in the area of sport and social inclusion is lacking. Dedicated books, specialissues, commissioned reports, and landmark articles on the topic of social inclusion and sport have been produced by de-voted scholars. The same can be said for the burgeoning area of sport for development and peace. These relatively youngacademic fields seem to be struggling to create new fundamental theoretical insights about how organized sport can bothact as an inclusive space and as a vehicle for broader developmental outcomes. Despite scholarly advancements, thereremains a number of empirical and theoretical gaps. The aim of this special issue is to critically reflect on issues relatedto sport, development, and inclusion, and to do so via transdisciplinary and intersectoral perspectives. By making such acontribution, we aim to open up new research pathway.