Editorial: Sport as a tool for social inclusion, employment, and improved health

Currently, sports are well-known as a prominent means to address a wide spectrum of social goals. This acknowledgement of sports’ social impact has been achieved through international acts and advocacy actions involving the United Nations (UN), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), sport federations, national governments and civic society over time (1). A recent significant step in formal recognition can be found in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through Resolution 70/1, which officially designates sports as an institutionalised sector contributing to sustainable development (2). As a consequence of the identification of sports as catalysts for diverse social outcomes on the global and national agenda, the sport for development and peace (SDP) movement has emerged. SDP encompasses a wide range of actions, programs and studies wherein sports are utilised and investigated as means to promote non-sporting and peace building goals (3). SDP studies provide evidence regarding the variety of social benefits that can be achieved through sports, including: (i) health development (4–7); (ii) social inclusion (8–13); (iii) employment (14); (iv) sports integrity (15–17); (v) sports diplomacy (18–20); (vi) and sport, economy and crime (21). Despite the richness of studies in the field, some open questions remain concerning the efficient use of sports as a tool for social and developmental purposes. First, the literature lacks frameworks and models guiding efficient sport-based program planning, structuring and management to maximize social outcomes (22–24). Secondly, the literature emphasizes the need to monitor and evaluate sport-based programs in order to explore “what works about sport” and “why it works” in specific contexts and conditions (22, 24–27). The collection of articles in this Research Topic contributes and enriches the debate on these open issues.