How SPHERE researchers are tackling gender inequality through creative and critical inquiry
A collection of work from members of the SPHERE Research Centre that challenges gender inequality in physical activity and wellbeing.
Centre for Sport, Physical Activity and Health Equality (SPHERE)
We address inequalities in sport and physical activity settings to shape inclusive policy and practice and improve everyday health and wellbeing experiences.
About our centre
Who we are: We're a community of researchers committed to understanding and improving how sport, physical activity, leisure, and the education and digital spaces connected to them are structured, governed, and experienced. We examine how systems of power, identity, policy, and culture intersect to influence participation and how to enhance people’s opportunities and experiences.
What we do: We examine the barriers — such as inequality, discrimination, and exclusion — and the drivers that shape how people engage with physical activity and sport-related consumption. By understanding these forces, we aim to support more equitable, inclusive, and meaningful participation.
Why we matter: Sport and physical activity can catalyse positive social change and transform lives, but only if the deep-rooted inequalities limiting their impact for many are addressed. We are dedicated to overcoming these obstacles to make physical activity and health more inclusive and accessible.
Our research themes
- Identity and lived experience: exploring how aspects like gender, race, disability, family roles, and life stage shape engagement with sport, physical activity and health
- Sport for development and social impact: promoting education, health, inclusion, and community development
- Governance, media and management: making the organisation, promotion, and consumption of sport more inclusive, ethical and sustainable
- Coaching and education: advancing equity and accessibility in coaching and physical education with a focus on inclusive pedagogies and practices
- Digital cultures and technology: investigating the impact of digital cultures (like online gambling, social media, and health tech)
- Bodies and movement: examining inclusive movement practices, body image, and alternative and inclusive ways of being active
- Sustainable futures: championing usable environments, long-term inclusion and community wellbeing in sport
SPHERE research spotlights
Find out about our research and its impact in key areas.
SPHERE on digital cultures: Sport, health and young people
Explore how SPHERE research is delving into the impacts of digital technologies on people’s experiences of sport, physical activity, and health.
News and research
Find out more about our research and activity.
Explore how Bath research is making sport more inclusive
Find out about how research from SPHERE members Dr Sheree Bekker, Dr Haydn Morgan and Prof Emma Rich is helping Bath’s quest to break down barriers in sport.
Revealed: the ‘dire consequences’ of football’s relationship with gambling
The Guardian explored Dr Darragh McGee research into ‘gamblification’ in football and its contribution to gambling addictions among young men in the UK.
Professor Emma Rich elected Fellow of Academy of Social Sciences
Professor of physical activity and health education, Emma Rich (Department for Health), joins a distinguished list of fellows from across the social sciences.
Elizabete Cardoso joins the Board of Directors of Benfica SAD
Dr Elisabete Cardoso has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Portuguese football club Benfica.
Female athletes more likely to get injured at certain points in their menstrual cycle
Women Super League footballers have six times more muscle injuries pre-period than during it finds University of Bath study
‘Digital Health Generation’ project takes home Research Impact Award
For the second year running the University has won the Research Impact Award at this year’s Bristol and Bath Health and Care Awards.
Work with us
We welcome partnerships with individuals and organisations through collaborative research, co-hosted events, and knowledge exchange.
Whether you're interested in studying with us, shaping inclusive sport policy, co-developing projects, or engaging communities through physical activity, please get in touch with us: sphere@bath.ac.uk
Our people
Find out more about our members and their research interests.
Centre for Sport, Physical Activity and Health Equality (SPHERE) members
Find out more about members of the Centre for Sport, Physical Activity and Health Equality (SPHERE) and their research interests.
About us
SPHERE is part of Bath's Department for Health.
Contact us
If you have any questions about our research, please contact us.