Leeds

2023

Transformational Change: Managing Football and Social Justice

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November 2023

The 2023 Football Collective conference was hosted by the Sport Management Group at Leeds Beckett University. It brought together scholars, practitioners, stakeholders and enthusiasts from various disciplines to explore the intersection of football, management and social justice. The conference organisers were Dr Alex Bond, Dr Joel Rookwood and Dr Paul Widdop.

We had excellent keynotes from Dr Dan Kilvington entitled ‘Making football research matter’, and Alice Hoole entitled ‘Well, it’s a ladies’ league’: female, non-binary and transgender experiences of gender and sexuality when negotiating new footballing spaces within and outside the Sunday League. We also had a fascinating panel discussion led by Fair Game representatives and Ryan McKnight (Redcar Athletic FC Director of Football) on ownership and the impact of football clubs in the community.

As the world's most popular sport, football can help bring people together, transcend boundaries and inspire positive change. However, it can also reinforce and perpetuate social inequalities. This in-person conference provided a platform for discussion, the exchange of ideas, and shared learning in how to manage football in ways that promote social justice.

1.jpeg
2.jpeg
3.jpeg
4.jpg
6.jpg
5.jpg
7.jpeg
8.jpeg
DSC00353.JPG
10.jpeg
12.jpeg
15.jpeg
9.jpeg
13.jpeg
16.jpeg
17.jpeg
18.jpeg
11.jpeg
IMG_5366.JPG
19.jpeg
20.jpg

We welcomed submissions from scholars, practitioners and students in various fields, including but not limited to sport management, economics, sociology, psychology, law and political science. We encouraged submissions of empirical research, theoretical papers, conceptual perspectives and case studies. Thematically, we were open to interesting and relevant topics and discussions, but we especially invite papers that specifically explore the following themes:

  • Understanding and managing different identities across football

  • Examining and responding to ethical issues in football

  • Understanding and managing all forms of discrimination in football

  • Football’s role in promoting and creating positive social change

  • Global economic and political forces influencing football and social justice

  • Technological and innovative approaches to tackling social injustices

  • Promoting social justice in sustainable and environmental advances in football

  • Examinations of diversity and inclusion in football

  • Transformations in football marketing, media and communication

  • Football events, legacies and sustainable practice

  • Responsible leadership, strategy and stakeholder management in football

Abstract Submission

A single document was required containing the following information: a presentation title, names of author(s) and institutional affiliation(s), a short biography (approximately 50 words per author), and an abstract (maximum 300 words). The abstract was to outline the focus, significance, methods and intended contribution of the research, but did not require section subtitles or academic references.

Those interested in participating were to submit a single document via email to both A.J.Bond@leedsbeckett.ac.uk and thisfootballcollective@gmail.com with the subject ‘FC23 ABSTRACT’ by 30th July 2023.

Registration and Fees

Fees included attendance on both days of the conference, as well as three meals (breakfast, lunch and an evening meal).

Standard Registration: £160

Supported delegate: £60*

*Supported delegates included students with a valid student ID and those from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

We hope that the conference will provide a platform for meaningful, supportive discussions and collaborations among scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts interested in managing football and promoting social justice. We look forward to your contributions.

Dr Alexander Bond, Leeds Beckett University

Photographs by Samuel Ryde and Jonny Gios on Unsplash