Examines children's participation in sport, through physical education (PE) in schools, extra-curricular sport played in school, and sport played outside the school in sports clubs or other organised contexts. This report assesses the impact of a range offactors affecting participation and draws implications for public policy.

Youth Sport in Ireland is based on extensive original research and examines the lifestyle patterns of Irish adolescents as we begin a new millennium. The study particularly focuses on the sporting trends of adolescents and provides comprehensive data against which the broad impact of existing programmes and policies can be assessed. The challenge of keeping teenagers active against the competition of television, DVDs, mobile phones, computer games, the drink and drug culture or the pressures of doing well in school is a daunting one. This book examines these issues in detail and offers practical tips on how parents and schools can help to keep children physically active. Research shows that children who remain active during adolescence are likely to continue to do so throughout their lives. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book will be of considerable interest to sports administrators, coaches, teachers, parents, youth workers and policy makers.

Using data from more than 3000 adults, examines the impact of social disadvantage on participation in sport. Finds those with low incomes or law educational attainment less likely to play sport. Points up the need to change sports policy.

How do migrant youth negotiate their role in society through sport and leisure practices? How can political theory and qualitative critical research work together to make sense of these processes? These are among the questions that led to a long-term investigation of young males’ sport practices in Ireland, possibly the most fertile contemporary setting for the analysis of questions of sport and identity. Youth Sport, Migration and Culture emphasises the epistemological and ethical urgency of doing research with rather than on young people. Engaging with the social changes in Irish society through the eyes of children of immigrants growing up in Ireland, the book looks closely at young people’s leisure practices in multi-ethnic contexts, and at issues of inclusion in relation to public discourses around ‘national identity’ and immigration. Offering compelling analysis of how ideas of race and racism are elaborated through sport, this book is fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in the sociology of sport, sport development or youth culture.

The Routledge Handbook of Primary Physical Education goes further than any other book in exploring the specific theoretical and practical components of teaching PE at the primary or elementary school level. As the most comprehensive review of theory, research and practice in primary PE yet published, it represents an essential evidence-based guide for all students, researchers and practitioners working in this area. Written by a team of leading international primary PE specialists from academic and practitioner backgrounds, this handbook examines the three discourses that dominate contemporary PE: health, education and sport. With case studies from twelve countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Spain and South Korea, it provides a truly international perspective on key themes and issues such as: primary PE pedagogy, policy and curriculum development assessment and standards child development diversity and inclusion teacher training and professional development. Offering an unprecedented wealth of material, this handbook is an invaluable reference for any undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme in primary physical education or any primary teacher training course with a physical education element.

Building Effective Physical Education Programs is a unique text focused on designing and delivering school physical education programs. The text succeeds in helping pre-service, novice, and more experienced teachers to understand the essential components necessary to create and deliver impactful physical education programs within their school or organization. Through its use of engaging learning experiences found in each chapter, this text is ideal for use across various physical education teacher courses and teacher professional development programs. Written for an international audience, Building Effective Physical Education Programs acknowledges both the similarities and differences of physical education programs from country to country. International case studies are included to further illustrate worldwide practices. This text is appropriate for the student who is interested in the field of physical education as well as the seasoned professional with years of experience. Key Features: Learning Experience boxes help readers apply knowledge gained from the text to real-world practice by utilizing activities and critical-thinking questions to drive comprehension. An international perspective on physical education provides a global viewpoint and gives students a broad context for different program types A focus on current trends and issues makes this text relevant and timely Ancillaries provide instructors with the tools to implement a successful physical education teacher education course. Instructor resources include: Instructor's Manual, Test Bank and PowerPoint presentations Student resources include: Companion website and Student Study Guide