Dr Jack Sugden

Profile

Research Interests

Jack is a lecturer in sport development and management with a specialisation in international business and the globalisation of sport. Jack has had 8 years’ experience working in the sport for development and peace field and has managed, coordinated and researched such projects in Israel/Palestine, South Africa, West Africa, Jordan, Northern Ireland and Fiji.

Jack’s research interests continue to be based on the role that sport plays in both uniting and dividing people and groups. This stems from a childhood in divided Northern Ireland, a lifelong love of football and a degree in international politics and a masters in ethnic conflict. Away from academia, Jack has also worked at the British Council coordinating international business and educational partnerships centered around the London 2012 Olympics. Jack is a firm believer in the scholar/practitioner link and is forever on the lookout for opportunities to forge these links where needed. Evidenced in his recent work with refugees in Liverpool, his study of mixed martial arts in the city and his ongoing relationship work in the study of sport, global politics and power.

Jack has co-authored a number of book chapters based on the role of sport for social change and is currently awaiting decisions on four research papers that have been submitted to journals of international renown. He has worked closely with the University of Johannesburg in authoring a sport for development resources entitled Play Life (2011) and is currently undertaking a long term participant ethnography of a mixed martial arts gym in Liverpool.