4B029E - Introduction to Sports Development (Online) 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Jul 2032 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 4B029E
Module Title: Introduction to Sports Development (Online)
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Sport
Faculty Sub Group: Sports Coaching
Module Leader: Tony Wallis
Module Team: Chris Emsley, Robyn Pinder
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: -1
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100096 - sports development
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Jul 2032

Module Aims

  • Aim 1: To introduce students to the key principles, models, and frameworks of sports development, exploring how sport operates across different sectors and contributes to wider societal outcomes in health, education, and inclusion. 

  • Aim 2: To develop students’ understanding of the structures, policies, and stakeholders that shape sport delivery, with a focus on governance, funding, and the role of professionals within UK and international contexts. 

  • Aim 3: To encourage critical engagement with contemporary issues in sport development, while supporting students to build relevant skills, knowledge, and career awareness for future roles in the sports industry

Content Summary

Discover how sport shapes lives, communities, and global agendas in this exciting and thought-provoking module. You’ll explore what sports development really means, unpacking key models, frameworks, and industry perspectives that influence how sport is delivered and experienced across different settings. 

From grassroots participation to international programmes, you’ll dive into topics like policy and governance, youth sport in schools, community engagement, and sport’s role in promoting inclusion and social change. You’ll also tackle contemporary issues facing the sector and explore how sport responds to evolving societal needs. 

You’ll learn about the sports development continuum, from foundation to excellence, and understand how pathways support progression in sport. The module also introduces the role of the sports development professional, how sport is funded, and the skills needed to thrive in the industry. 

Whether you're passionate about making a difference through sport or curious about how sport operates behind the scenes, this module will equip you with the knowledge and tools to take your next steps in the field. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Problem/Challenge Based Learning 56
Guided Study 104
Placement 50
Formative assessment 30
Summative assessment 60
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Students will be able to identify the principles, models, and frameworks of sports development and recognise how sport contributes to health, education, inclusion, and wider societal agendas within UK and international contexts.
LO2 Students will be able to explain the roles, responsibilities, and governance of key organisations in sports development, and demonstrate awareness of the skills and knowledge required for professional practice in the sector.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work The group report encourages collaboration and authentic application of theory to real-world sports development challenges, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. 0 4000 75 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment (Exam) Online Closed Book Examination  a Classroom Test (Online) in the form of a Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) 60 N/A 25 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Written Work
Online Closed Book Examination 

Reading List

Week 1 (3 items) 

Introduction to Sports Development – Models, Frameworks and Industry Perspectives 

Examining sports development, by Michael F. Collins, 2010 

Managing Sport Development: An International Approach, by Emma Sherry; Nico Schulenkorf; Pamm Phillips; Katie Rowe, 2024 

Routledge handbook of sports development, by Barrie Houlihan; Mick Green, 2011 

  

Week 2 (4 items) 

Policy and Governance in Sport Development 

Good governance in sport: critical reflections, edited by Arnout Geeraert; Arnout Geeraert; Frank van Eekeren, 2022 

Routledge handbook of sport governance, by Shilbury, David; Ferkins, Lesley, 2021 

Sports development: policy, process and practice, by Kevin Hylton, 2013 

Strategic sport development, by Stephen Robson; Kirstie Simpson; Lee Tucker, 2013 

  

Week 3 (2 items) 

Community Sport and Grassroots Development 

Sport and society: a student introduction, edited by Barrie Houlihan; Dominic Malcolm, 2016 

Torkildsen's sport and leisure management, by George Torkildsen, 2023 

  

Week 4 (3 items) 

Schools, Education and Youth Sport 

Positive Youth Development through Sport, by Meghan H. Holt, Nicholas L.; McDonough, 2024 

Sport, education and social policy : the state of the social sciences of sport, by Doll-Tepper, G., 2016, 2017 

Youth development in football: lessons from the world's best academies, by Mark Nesti; Chris Sulley, 2015 

  

Week 5 (3 items) 

Sport and Social Inclusion 

The politics of sports development: development of sport or development through sport?, by Barrie Houlihan; Anita White, 2002 

Sport development in action: plan, programme and practice, by Alec Astle; Sarah Leberman; Geoff Watson, 2019 

Sport, Leadership, and Social Inclusion., by Næss, Hans Erik.; Svendsen, Mari., 2025 

  

Week 6 (4 items) 

Contemporary Issues in Sport Development 

Managing Sport Development: An International Approach, by Emma Sherry; Nico Schulenkorf; Pamm Phillips; Katie Rowe, 2024 

Principles and practice of sport management, edited by Lisa Pike Masteralexis; Mary A. Hums, 2024 

 | Recommended 

The Routledge handbook of sport and sustainable development, by Kellison, Timothy; McCullough, Brian P.; Melton, E. Nicole, 2022 

Understanding sport management: international perspectives, edited by Trish Bradbury; Ian O'Boyle, 2017