Transforming whose lives? The portrayal of international sport for development volunteering by UK Higher Education Institutions

This article critically examines the portrayal of sport for development (SfD) international volunteering by UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Volunteer tourism or ‘voluntourism’ is a popular experience in which individuals combine travel with voluntary work destination typically Global South bid to offer support those need. A body literature offers an optimistic view volunteer tourism, suggesting that it can facilitate cross-cultural understanding among volunteers and host communities. However, there also critical argues if programmes are not carefully developed managed, they lead misunderstanding reinforce negative cultural stereotypes; this latter critique provides both justification context article. Several studies have acknowledged centrality Northern delivery sport-based under banner SfD [Darnell (2007). Playing race: Right play production whiteness ‘development through sport’. Sport Society, 10(4), 560–579; Darnell (2011). Identity learning volunteerism: ‘Sport peace’ internships. Development Practice, 21(7), 974–986; Lucas & Jeanes (2019). Ethnographic reflections role global north sport-for-development. International Review Sociology Sport, 55(7), 953–974]. given pivotal HEIs marketing facilitating such opportunities students, lack research how portrayed HEIs. The draws from sample thirteen examine discursively frame opportunities. findings illustrate student benefit even socially transform because poor concludes outlining series recommendations consider regarding their volunteering.