Research and Knowledge Exchange
Graduate School
Self-Funded Research Project Template
Project Details
Title
The title of the project (50 words)
Sports Coaching in Late-Victorian and Edwardian Manchester
Research Institute Reference Number
The project reference number (30 characters)
Format: RI-PI initials–Year–Project Number-Award
Example: IPR-GP-2014-5-PhD
SpLeisH-DDay-4-PhD
Project Summary
The project summary (50 words)
This historically focused study aims to uncover the coaching biographies and life stories of late nineteenth- and
early twentieth-century coaches and trainers, specifically in the Manchester area, and to put these into the
wider national and international context of the development of sports coaching in Britain.
Specific Requirements of the Project
The specific qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience applicants should have for this project (200 words)
While a background in the collection and cataloguing of historical material will be an obvious advantage, the key
attribute required of any applicant is a demonstrable interest in the life courses of men and women in the period
between 1850 and 1950. This study is essentially a 'history from below' in that it focuses on the individual, rather
than on National Governing Bodies of sports, and attempts to put the individual into the forefront of the broader
context of the development of performance sport. An affinity with and knowledge of the North-West region,
particularly Manchester and its environs, would be useful but is not essential.
Project Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of the project (600 words)
This historical study will explore and uncover the coaching biographies and life stories of late nineteenth and early
twentieth century coaches and trainers, specifically in the Manchester area, before putting those into the context
of the wider development of performance sport. In particular, the work will attempt to link local 'hot spots' within
Manchester, based around facilities such as the Hyde Park Running Ground or the swimming facilities at Belle
Vue, to the communities of coaches and trainers who worked there. Research will also consider the intersection
of this with the Marshallian concept of 'Industrial Districts', formulated during the late nineteenth century, which
has recently been resurrected first as 'flexible specialization' and then in the context of knowledge transfer and
knowledge 'spillovers' in localized communities. The work will follow traditional methods of research through
archives, both national and, more particularly, at the Manchester public and University libraries, to identify and
subsequently track relevant individuals through newspapers, periodicals and local records. Where possible,
private family records will be accessed by tracking descendants through census, births, marriages, and deaths
records. The work will also explore the use of 'Living History' in the dissemination of biographical material. This
to take the form of recreated interviews with Victorian and Edwardian Coaches scripted and recorded for research
and teaching.
Student Eligibility
Project is open to:
Home/EU and overseas √
Proposed Supervisory Team
Informal enquiries can be made to
email D.J.Day@mmu.ac.uk
How to Apply
Applications should be completed using the Postgraduate Research Degree Application Form
http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/postgraduate-research-course/
Return the completed application to: pgradmissions@mmu.ac.uk
PLEASE NOTE: Section 9 of the application should be used to write a personal statement outlining your
suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.
CLOSING DATE: If applicable (please state if there is no closing date)
There is no closing date and candidates will be interviewed as and when they apply.