The work of sport sociologists rarely receives popular acclaim, but Professor Celia Brackenridge has challenged convention throughout her career. An activist as well as a researcher and lecturer, Professor Brackenridge has been a forceful champion for gender equality since retiring from international hockey. However, it is in the field of child protection and athlete welfare that she has made her most significant impact leading policy developments within the International Olympic Committee and UNICEF, as well as being integral to the establishment of the world’s first Child Protection in Sport Unit in the UK. Despite initial vehement criticism from the sports world, the popular press and politicans, she has been a powerful and persistent advocate for the need to challenge abusive practices in youth sport. Her fearless vigour in challenging accepted practice, coupled with scholarship of the highest standard, has been the bedrock of a hugely significant contribution to British and international sport. In addition, over the past decade she has presented, examined and supported work at Edge Hill and has been particularly supportive of our introduction of a Sport Studies module on athlete welfare and safeguarding in sport. We are extremely pleased to see her work honoured in this way.

Mike Hartill