I joined the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at Stirling in 2019 and I am currently Head of Sport and Deputy Dean of the Faculty. Prior to this I spent most of my career at Loughborough University, where I was a director of the Institute of Youth Sport, before moving to Brunel University London in 2010. I have been researching and lecturing in sport and health since the 1980s, with a particular focus on sport, health and social inequality. I engage with practitioner groups and policy makers to make sure my work is relevant and informed by their expertise, and draw on this real-world knowledge in my lecturing where I contribute to our taught courses in sport policy and health inequalities, and supervise student dissertations and project work.
I am a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and my research into the social benefits of sport has been conducted in the UK and internationally. It includes a decade of work researching the capacity of sport to contribute to international development goals and support HIV-AIDS education for young people, through projects funded by Sport England, DfID and British Council. Since 2010 I have focused on sport, health and well-being, and the challenges that social inequalities pose for promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Between 2016-19 I was Associate Director of the ESRC-funded Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership, a collaboration between the University of Oxford, Brunel University and The Open University.
“Poor people! How austerity and deprivation undermine health(y) behaviour". Keynote, BASES and Yorkshire and Humber Physical Activity Knowledge Exchange Network
Keynote to the Yorkshire and Humber Physical Activity Knowledge Exchange Network (YoHPAKE), January.
“Informing sport and physical activity guidance: hearing the voices of austerity”. Observatory for Sport in Scotland and sportscotland "Many voices, one big conversation" Think Event, December.
Presentation to the Observatory for Sport in Scotland and sportscotland "Many voices, one big conversation" Think Event, December, Edinburgh
“Time's up: acting now to put health inequalities at the centre of PA research, policy and practice”. Keynote, FUSE Tenth Anniversary Physical Activity Symposium, FUSE Centre for Translational Research in Public Health: Newcastle University
Keynote, Physical Activity and Health Inequalities, FUSE Tenth Anniversary Physical Activity Symposium, FUSE Centre for Translational Research in Public Health: Newcastle University, April
"Getting people active through sport: overcoming inactivity". Plenary, 7th Annual Sport and Exercise Medicine Conference, London, March.
Getting people active through sport: overcoming inactivity. Plenary presentation to the 7th Annual Sport and Exercise Medicine Conference, London, March 2017
“Leisure for health: the ultimate challenge for social change”. Keynote, 17th Biennial Internatif Tasmania, Hobart.
Keynote to the “ Leisure for Social Change” 17th Biennial International Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart.
“Irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status”: how national PA guidance fails older adults . ESRC Seminar series, Physical activity among hard-to-reach groups, Brunel University London.
Plenary presentation to the ESRC Seminar series, Physical activity among hard-to-reach groups: Issues of research, policy and practice, Brunel University London, November
Poor World: redressing policy failings through sociological analysis of sport and health; keynote, 10th Conference of the European Association of Sociology of Sport, Cordoba.
Women, sport, development Keynote, ‘Adelante Muchachas: moving together for a better world’, 17th Quadrennial Congress IAPESGW, Cuba, April
‘Sport in the service of international development: contributing to the Millennium Development Goals’, Plenary speaker United Nations/IOC forum of sport for development and peace, United Nations, Geneva, May
External examiner, BA Sport and Social Science, Bath University
University of Bath
ESRC Review College, Doctoral Training Partnerships
External examiner, MSc Sports Management, University of Stirling
External Examiner, BA (Hons) Sport and Recreation Management, University of Edinburgh.
Associate Director (Brunel) ESRC Grand Union DTP
Theme lead, Physical activity and inequalities, 7th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress; Public Health England, International Society for Physical Activity and Health and Sport England.
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Co-facilitator, British Council (Newton Fund) international early career Researcher Links Workshop, Sport and Social Transformation in Brazil; San Paulo, March 2015
Led by the University of Bath and funded by Newton Fund and FAPESP (the São Paulo Research Foundation).
Dean of Research, Brunel University London
Brunel University
Professor of Sport and Social Sciences and Director, Brunel Centre for Sport, Health and Wellbeing (BC.SHaW)
Professor of Sport and Social Sciences and Director, Brunel Centre for Sport, Health and Wellbeing (BC.SHaW)
Deputy Director, Institute of Youth Sport, Loughborough University
Loughborough University
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, Loughborough University
Lecturer, North Staffordshire Polytechnic
Research Assistant, Loughborough University
Elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences
Social and health inequalities
Sport, health and well-being
Physical activity and sport
Social benefits of sport
Unemployment, deprivation and marginalised communities
COVID19 social distancing effects on social engagement, loneliness, wellbeing and physical activity in Scottish older adults, and an exploration of potential ameliorating strategies.
PI: Professor Anna Whittaker
Funded by: Chief Scientist Office
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Discussion Paper
Kay T (2020) Sport and social inequality. Observatory for Sport in Scotland. Observatory for Sport in Scotland: Academic Review Paper. Edinburgh. https://www.oss.scot/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sport-Social-Inequality-Tess-Kay-review-paper-1.pdf
Article
Mansfield L, Kay T, Anokye N & Fox-Rushby J (2019) Community Sport and the Politics of Aging: Co-design and Partnership Approaches to Understanding the Embodied Experiences of Low-Income Older People. Frontiers in Sociology, 4, Art. No.: 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2019.00005
Article
Hall J, Kay T, McConnell A & Mansfield L (2019) "Why would you want to stand?" an account of the lived experience of employees taking part in a workplace sit-stand desk intervention. BMC Public Health, 19, Art. No.: 1692. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8038-9
Article
Implementation of sit-stand desks as a workplace health initiative: stakeholder views
Hall J, Kay T, McConnell AK & Mansfield L (2019) Implementation of sit-stand desks as a workplace health initiative: stakeholder views. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 12 (5), pp. 369-386. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-02-2019-0026
Article
Anokye N, Mansfield L, Kay T, Sanghera S, Lewin A & Fox-Rushby J (2018) The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a complex community sport intervention to increase physical activity: an interrupted time series design. BMJ Open, 8 (12), Art. No.: e024132. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024132
Article
Mansfield L, Kay T, Anokye N & Fox-Rushby J (2018) A qualitative investigation of the role of sport coaches in designing and delivering a complex community sport intervention for increasing physical activity and improving health. BMC Public Health, 18, Art. No.: 1196. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6089-y
Article
Mansfield L, Kay T, Meads C, Grigsby-Duffy L, Lane J, John A, Daykin N, Dolan P, Testoni S, Julier G, Payne A, Tomlinson A & Victor C (2018) Sport and dance interventions for healthy young people (15-24 years) to promote subjective well-being: A systematic review. BMJ Open, 8 (7), Art. No.: e020959. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020959
Article
What works for wellbeing? A systematic review of wellbeing outcomes for music and singing in adults
Daykin N, Mansfield L, Meads C, Julier G, Tomlinson A, Payne A, Grigsby Duffy L, Lane J, D’Innocenzo G, Burnett A, Kay T, Dolan P, Testoni S & Victor C (2018) What works for wellbeing? A systematic review of wellbeing outcomes for music and singing in adults. Perspectives in Public Health, 138 (1), pp. 39-46. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757913917740391
Book Chapter
Only connect: How social science can improve physical activity guidance
Kay T (2017) Only connect: How social science can improve physical activity guidance. In: Piggin J, Mansfield L & Weed M (eds.) Routledge Handbook of Physical Activity Policy and Practice. 1st ed. Routledge International Handbooks. London: Routledge, pp. 106-119. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315672779
Article
Daykin N, Mansfield L, Payne A, Kay T, Meads C, D'Innocenzo G, Burnett A, Dolan P, Julier G, Longworth L, Tomlinson A, Testoni S & Victor C (2017) What works for wellbeing in culture and sport? Report of a DELPHI process to support coproduction and establish principles and parameters of an evidence review. Perspectives in Public Health, 137 (5), pp. 281-288. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757913916674038
Authored Book
Localizing global sport for development
Lindsey I, Kay T, Jeanes R & Banda D (2017) Localizing global sport for development. Globalizing Sport Studies. Manchester University Press.
Article
Building a system to safeguard children in sport: The eight CHILDREN pillars
Rhind DJA, Kay T, Hills L & Owusu-Sekyere F (2017) Building a system to safeguard children in sport: The eight CHILDREN pillars. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 41 (2), pp. 151-171. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193723517696966
Article
Bodies of knowledge: connecting the evidence bases on physical activity and health inequalities
Kay T (2016) Bodies of knowledge: connecting the evidence bases on physical activity and health inequalities. International Journal of Sport Policy, 8 (4), pp. 539-557. https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2016.1228690
Book Chapter
Daughters of Islam, sisters in sport
Kay T (2016) Daughters of Islam, sisters in sport. In: Hopkins P & Aitchison C (eds.) Geographies of Muslim Identities: Diaspora, Gender and Belonging. Abingdon: Routledge, pp. 125-140.
Article
Hall J, Mansfield L, Kay T & McConnell AK (2015) The effect of a sit-stand workstation intervention on daily sitting, standing and physical activity: Protocol for a 12 month workplace randomised control trial. BMC Public Health, 15, Art. No.: 152. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1506-y
Article
Mansfield L, Anokye N, Fox-Rushby J & Kay T (2015) The Health and Sport Engagement (HASE) intervention and evaluation project: Protocol for the design, outcome, process and economic evaluation of a complex community sport intervention to increase levels of physical activity. BMJ Open, 5 (10), Art. No.: e009276. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009276
Book Chapter
Positive leisure science: Leisure in family contexts
Zabriskie R & Kay T (2015) Positive leisure science: Leisure in family contexts. In: Freire T (ed.) Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer, pp. 81-99. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5058-6_5
Authored Book
Collins M & Kay T (2014) Sport and social exclusion. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Sport-and-Social-Exclusion-Second-edition-2nd-Edition/Collins-Patmore-Kay/p/book/9780415568814
Book Chapter
Sport for development in Zambia: The new or not so new colonisation?
Jeans R, Magee J, Kay T & Banda D (2013) Sport for development in Zambia: The new or not so new colonisation?. In: Hallinan C & Judd B (eds.) Native Games: Indigenous Peoples and Sports in the Post-Colonial World. Research in the Sociology of Sport, Volume 7. Bingley: Emerald, pp. 127-145. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1476-2854%282013%290000007011
Book Chapter
Sport and youth inclusion in the ‘Majority World’
Kay T (2013) Sport and youth inclusion in the ‘Majority World’. In: Dagkas S & Armour K (eds.) Inclusion and Exclusion Through Youth Sport (Routledge Studies in Physical Education and Youth Sport). Abingdon: Routledge, pp. 218-232. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203852392
Book Chapter
Conducting research with young people in the global south
Jeanes R & Kay T (2013) Conducting research with young people in the global south. In: te Reile K & Brooks R (eds.) Negotiating Ethical Challenges in Youth Research. Abingdon: Routledge, pp. 19-30. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203140796
Article
Sport in the service of international development
Kay T (2012) Sport in the service of international development. Criminal Justice Matters, 88 (1), pp. 18-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/09627251.2012.695501
Article
Accounting for legacy: Monitoring and evaluation in sport in development relationships
Kay T (2012) Accounting for legacy: Monitoring and evaluation in sport in development relationships. Sport in Society, 15 (6), pp. 888-904. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2012.708289
Article
The mediating effects of family on sport in international development contexts
Kay T & Spaaij R (2012) The mediating effects of family on sport in international development contexts. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 47 (1), pp. 77-94. https://doi.org/10.1177/1012690210389250
Article
Masculinities, gender relations and leisure studies: Are we there yet?
Pringle R, Kay T & Jenkins JM (2011) Masculinities, gender relations and leisure studies: Are we there yet?. Annals of Leisure Research, 14 (2-3), pp. 107-119. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2011.618447
Book Chapter
Kay T & Bass D (2011) The family factor in coaching. In: Stafford I (ed.) Coaching Children in Sport. Abingdon: Routledge, pp. 169-180. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203850688
Article
Developing through sport: Evidencing sport impacts on young people
Kay T (2009) Developing through sport: Evidencing sport impacts on young people. Sport in Society, 12 (9), pp. 1177-1191. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430430903137837
Article
Youth sport volunteering: Developing social capital?
Kay T & Bradbury S (2009) Youth sport volunteering: Developing social capital?. Sport, Education and Society, 14 (1), pp. 121-140. https://doi.org/10.1080/13573320802615288
Book Chapter
Stepping into community? The impact of youth sport volunteering on young people's social capital
Bradbury S & Kay T (2008) Stepping into community? The impact of youth sport volunteering on young people's social capital. In: Nicholson M & Hoye R (eds.) Abingdon: Routledge, pp. 285-315. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780080569727
Article
Kay T (2007) Fathering through sport. World Leisure Journal, 49 (2), pp. 69-82. https://doi.org/10.1080/04419057.2007.9674487
Book Chapter
Women, sport and gender inequity
Kay T & Jeanes R (2007) Women, sport and gender inequity. In: Houlihan B (ed.) Sport and Society: A Student Introduction. 2 ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, pp. 130-154. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446278833.n7
Article
Daughters of Islam: Family influences on muslim young women's participation in sport
Kay T (2006) Daughters of Islam: Family influences on muslim young women's participation in sport. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 41 (3), pp. 357-373. https://doi.org/10.1177/1012690207077705
Article
Where's Dad? Fatherhood in leisure studies
Kay T (2006) Where's Dad? Fatherhood in leisure studies. Leisure Studies, 25 (2), pp. 133-152. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614360500467792
Commentary
Editorial: Fathering through Leisure
Kay T (2006) Editorial: Fathering through Leisure. Leisure Studies, 25 (2), pp. 125-131. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614360600573887
Article
Leisure, gender and self in the analysis of family
Kay T (2003) Leisure, gender and self in the analysis of family. World Leisure Journal, 45 (4), pp. 4-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/04419057.2003.9674332
Article
Sporting excellence: A family affair?
Kay T (2000) Sporting excellence: A family affair?. European Physical Education Review, 6 (2), pp. 151-169. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X000062004
Article
Leisure, gender and family: The influence of social policy
Kay T (2000) Leisure, gender and family: The influence of social policy. Leisure Studies, 19 (4), pp. 247-265. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614360050118823
Article
Having it all or doing it all? The construction of women's lifestyles in time-crunched households
Kay T (1998) Having it all or doing it all? The construction of women's lifestyles in time-crunched households. Loisir et Société / Society and Leisure, 21 (2), pp. 435-454. https://doi.org/10.1080/07053436.1998.10753663
Article
Women's experience of unemployment
Kay T (1996) Women's experience of unemployment. World Leisure & Recreation, 34, pp. 20-23.
Article
Just do it? Turning sports policy into sports practice
Kay T (1996) Just do it? Turning sports policy into sports practice. Managing Leisure, 1 (4), pp. 233-247. https://doi.org/10.1080/136067196376339
Article
Women's work and women's worth: The leisure implications of women's changing employment patterns
Kay T (1996) Women's work and women's worth: The leisure implications of women's changing employment patterns. Leisure Studies, 15 (1), pp. 49-64. https://doi.org/10.1080/02614369600390251
Article
Kay T (1994) When great expectations reach their journey's end: accepting the limits of leisure provision for the unemployed. World Leisure & Recreation, 36, pp. 29-33.
Article
Kay T & Jackson G (1991) Leisure despite constraint : the impact of leisure constraints on leisure participation (Les loisirs malgre la contrainte : l'impact des contraintes des loisirs sur la pratique). Journal of Leisure Research, 23 (4), pp. 301-313.
Conference Proceeding
The operation of leisure constraints
Kay T & Jackson G (1990) The operation of leisure constraints. In: Leisure challenges: bringing people, resources, and policy into play. Leisure challenges: bringing people, resources, and policy into play, University of Waterloo, Ontario, 09.05.1990-12.05.1990. Waterloo, Ontario: Ontario Research Council on Leisure, pp. 352-356.
Article
Kay T (1989) Active unemployment- A leisure pattern for the future? [Le chômage actif: une avenue possible?] [El paro activo: una avenida posible?]. Loisir et Société / Society and Leisure, 12 (2), pp. 413-430. https://doi.org/10.1080/07053436.1989.10715338
Authored Book
Glyptis S, Kay T & Donkin D (1986) Sport and the unemployed: final report on the monitoring of Sports Council schemes in Leicester, Derwentside and Hockley Port, 1981-4. London: Sports Council.
