Introduction to the Research Handbook on Sport in Europe

Sport has a long history in Europe and undoubtedly had diverse origins and development, arguably influenced by British, German, Soviet, Scandinavian and French forms that are not necessarily reflected in the European Union (EU) representation of sport and its role in Europe (Dietschy, 2011; Eisenberg, 2011; Tomlinson & Young, 2011). It is not the purpose of this Handbook to explore the historical specificities of the development of sport in Europe, nor the legitimacy of the representation of sport in Europe as presented by the EU. Rather, this Handbook focuses on the realisation that the 21st century has been marked by an increased consideration and formalisation of the specificities and social role of sport in European policy. Consequently, this book presents a particular view of sport in Europe that builds on current priorities that themselves follow the policies established since the beginning of the 21st century. This introduction outlines EU sport policies in the 21st century and the EU Work Plan for Sport and how it has inspired the topics and subsequent chapters covered in the book. These chapters and how they collectively inform sport in Europe are then presented before concluding the introduction with the aim and intention of the book.