Introduction : Opening the innings

The Introduction establishes the context and justification for Sport Development in Action, which presents an in-depth account of the ‘development of sport’ process and its practical application. It does this within the context of community sport, principally in clubs and schools, into which national sport organisations have intervened, often supported by national sport agencies, to diversify and revitalise opportunities and experiences to enhance and increase participation. The reasons for this are discussed, including the need to both fill the gap in the existing literature on the ‘development of sport’, and second, provide practical advice, guidance, and resources for practitioners planning, designing, implementing and monitoring programmes to instigate the process in their sports.