Football Association begins research on homophobia in sport
The Nike match ball infront of rainbow flags during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2018. (Catherine Ivill/Getty)
The FA has started to conduct research in an attempt to crack down on gender discrimination and homophobia. To do this, they have recruited two researchers to find out more about the football experience of people from gay, lesbian and bi-sexual communities.
The research aims to frame future FA policy and activities, which will consequently encourage greater activity from these groups.
The two areas of research include ‘Gender and Coaching Study’ and ‘Homophobic bullying in sport, with particular reference to the experience of bi-sexual athletes’.
Gender and Coaching Study is a piece of research being carried out by Dr Leanne Norman, a lecturer and researcher from the Sports Coaching group within the Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education at Leeds Metropolitan University.
There are very few women in the coaching profession, which means their voice often goes unheard. Dr Norman intends to carry out a qualitative, women-centred examination of coaching cultures from the perspective of lesbian coaches from UK sports.
Contact Dr Norman on [email protected] if you are interested in participating or finding out more.
Homophobic bullying in sport, with particular reference to the experience of bi-sexual athletes is being researched by Katie Maddocks, a PhD student at Brunel University. This study will revolve around specific experiences of bi-sexual people in sport, within the broader context of homophobic bullying in sport.
This research will hopefully fill the current void in the literature regarding bi-sexual sporting experiences as current research predominantly relates to gay and lesbian people. Research will be qualitative through detailed interviews with bi-sexual athletes.
Contact Ms Maddocks on [email protected] if you are interested in participating or finding out more.
