It is a common assumption that sport is good for us and that participation in sport embodies public health benefits. This book critically examines the rationale and evidence for sport as a public health policy tool. It looks at sport interventions across the lifespan, for biological, psychological and social benefits.

Introduction [Daniel Parnell and Peter Krustrup] 1. Is sport good for us? Understanding youth sport as a public health setting [Richard Bailey] 2. Sport, health and PA in children [Tara Coppinger] 3. Positioning physical activity and sport in a child-friendly manner [Ed Cope] 4.Older adults, physical activity and public health [Andy Pringle and Stephen Zwolinsky] 5. Health through state supported voluntary sport clubs [Søren Bennike, Lone Friis Thing and Laila Ottesen] 6. Psychological benefits of team sport [Johan Wikman, Peter Elsborg and Knud Ryom] 7. Mental health, physical activity and sport [Simon Rosenbaum, Davy Vancampfort, Oscar Lederman and Brendon Stubbs] 8. Sport, physical activity and public health policy [Bob Snape and Kathryn Curran] 9. Sport and health: The unique challenge of elite sport [Shawn M. Arent and Alan J. Walker] 10. Sport and health: The prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases [Peter Krustrup and Morten Bredsgaard Randers] 11. Healthy sport consumption: Moving away from pies and beer [Keith D. Parry, David Rowe, Emma S. George and Timothy J. Hall] 12. Healthy stadia: A settings based approach to health promotion [Daniel Parnell, Kathryn Curran and Matthew Philpott]