In an increasingly disconnected world, where social isolation exacts a major toll on the wellbeing of individuals and communities, How Sport Brings Us Together breaks new ground with a unique interdisciplinary exploration of how social connection is created, experienced, sustained, and sometimes impeded in sport.

Weaving insights from neuroscience, physiology, psychology, governance, sociology, anthropology, and other disciplines, the book reveals that the factors driving social connection—while operating at different scales—share far more commonalities than previously recognised. It identifies real-world applications and creative interventions across the sports ecosystem—from grassroots to elite—in coaching, health promotion, sustainable high performance, community programming, and sport for development, that can help build healthier, more cohesive societies.

Full of examples, vignettes and reflections, this book is essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand and cultivate human connection through sport

Ramón Spaaij, PhD, is an award-winning sociologist who works as Professor of Sociology at Victoria University, Australia, where he is also Strategic Research and Translation (START) Lead for Transforming Communities. His research focuses on creating thriving, inclusive and safe communities and transforming social inequalities. He has pioneered participatory and ethnographic research amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and partners with organisations global to local to shape policy and practice. Professor Spaaij holds secondary academic appointments at Manchester Metropolitan University, Utrecht University and Stellenbosch University. He previously held the endowed Professorial Chair in Sociology of Sport at the University of Amsterdam. He has published 20 books including Sport and Social Exclusion in Global Society (with Jonathan Magee and Ruth Jeanes), Sport and Social Mobility: Crossing Boundaries and The Age of Lone Wolf Terrorism (with Mark S. Hamm). His research has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Times Higher Education, ABC and the BBC.

Marissa Downes is a Research Assistant at the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University, Australia, specialising in elite athlete wellbeing, physical preparation and sustainable high-performance systems. With over a decade of experience supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Australia and New Zealand, she has held roles such as Physical Preparation Coach for Australia’s Olympic Winter Institute and National Lead Strength & Conditioning Specialist for High Performance Sport New Zealand. Her work integrates sport science, psychology, and allied health to prioritise athlete wellbeing alongside performance. She is the Founder of Integrative Wellbeing and Performance Australia, where she supports athletes and professionals in stress management and career transitions. Marissa bridges academic research and practice, advocating for sustainable sport environments that foster social connection and holistic wellbeing.