Sports policy in the city (1995)

The aim of this research was to analyse the sports policy of three European cities; Cork (The Republic of Ireland), Bilboa (Spain) and Nottingham (Great Britain) and establish whether the policy contents and intent aided in the process of urban regeneration and city marketing, or whether the policies maintained support for the welfare, Sport for All elements of sports provision. The results indicate that city policy is not based upon a choice between city marketing and community recreation, but is in fact a compromise of the two. The balance in policy in favour of one component over the other is, however, dependent on the degree of urban transition the city requires and a mix of political and socio-cultural factors. Sporting opportunities are available for both consumers and citizens.