The first International Conference of the joint PSA/ In the Zone Sport and Politics Consultancy (www.inthezoneonline.co.uk ) will take place at the University of Vic in Catalonia (www.uvic.cat) in Partnership with Southampton Solent University, England (www.solent.ac.uk) on Thursday, June 29th and Friday, June 30th 2017. This is an exciting development and opportunity which seeks to enhance the partnership between the hosting institutions with the expressed hope of staging a stimulating forum for debate in an international context around the debates and issues raised by the conference theme

At a time when the relationship between Regions, Nations and complex Global forces and events has come under increasing scrutiny, Sport continues to play a pivotal role in the articulation and reinforcement of Regional and National Identities on an International basis. As Europe faces an uncertain and divided future, as Asia becomes increasingly powerful, and the United States reflects deep schisms, we would wish the Conference to consider the implications of these and other developments on International Sport, from Spain and Catalonia, to Europe, The Americas, Asia and Africa.

Abstracts (300 words maximum) are invited on the following topics , although proposals are welcome on other related themes.
- Sport and Regional Identity
- Sport and Nationalism
- Case Studies of Individual Sports
- Regions/ Nations and The Politics of Global Sport
- Contemporary Fandom and International Sports
- Diplomacy and International Sport
- Issues of Inequality in International Sport
- Ethnicity, Race and Migration in International Sport
- Governance of Regional/ National and International Sport
- Impacts of hosting Mega Events
- Sectarianism and Xenophobia in International Sporting Contexts
- Ethical Concerns in International Sport

Abstracts/ Proposals should be sent to Jim O’Brien
(jim.obrien@solent.ac.uk) and Russell Holden (russell@inthezoneonline.co.uk )

Deadline for submission of abstracts is April 6th 2017.

Conference Fees: PSA (Political Studies Association) Members 85€, Non – Members 100€, Students/ Unwaged 45€

The PSA (Political Studies Association) www.psa.ac.uk is the major association for the study of Politics in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1950, it has an international membership and is dedicated to the research, debate and discussion of Political Science and Current Affairs.

The University of Vic (The Central University of Catalonia) was founded in 1997, although its history goes back much further. The main campus is within walking distance of the charming Catalan town of Vic, approximately 50 miles north of Barcelona. Both the town and the university have good transport links, and are served by the airports of Barcelona and Girona.

AEmaillthough the Conference is unable to make any contribution to the cost of Travel or Accommodation, delegates will be provided with details of hotels at reduced rates) close to the conference venue in the town of Vic.

Further details regarding the Registration Process and other relevant information will be forwarded to participants soon.