Richard Bailey
I work primarily in theoretical aspects of sport, education and health. Current work includes analysis of the concept of Physical Literacy, Viktor Frankl's philosophical psychiatry, the philosophical justification and character of inclusivity, and radical embodied cognition.
Based in Berlin, Germany.
Address: Germany
Based in Berlin, Germany.
Address: Germany
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The inverse relationship between physical activity and obesity is relatively well-established [3], and there is growing evidence supporting the football as a context that can support the reduction of obesity [4], including clinically significant weight loss [5]. Yet, we need to understand the policy and practical conditions, such as physical education and school sport (PESS) settings, if we are going to realise the potential outcomes of any intervention. It seems appropriate to view the current PESS landscape within a broader policy context of austerity, triggered as a political tool to potentially mitigate the impact of the economic downturn in the UK and elsewhere.
Austerity-related policies impact sport through the closure of sport facilities [6], often hitting those in the most deprived areas hardest, whilst helping create a reality whereby government sport participation goals have not been met [7]. Within an environment of declining opportunity for sport participation, and the proverbial tightening of belts in school funding for PESS, the emergence of external providers and the outsourcing to private companies, including professional football clubs has become widespread [8]. This is a dramatically changing and unfamiliar environment, but one with which the different stakeholders in the battle against obesity must become familiar.
We support this research as adding further evidence about the potential of professional football clubs to deliver effective interventions and rigorous evaluations. Yet, we urge policy makers to strive for better-organised and delivered interventions, alongside challenging the false economy of broader austerity related policies, notably cuts to sport and leisure services and the outsourcing of PESS that may impact individuals, families and communities opportunities for quality physical activity and sport. Otherwise, there are likely to be further, and potentially more severe, public health and financial consequences in the future.