Welcome to the Centre for Sport Policy Studies, in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto.
The Centre is an internationally recognized hub and repository for research into sport, policy and development (broadly defined). Members and associates of the centre conduct research in three broad areas:
Inclusive and equitable sport for all
Healthy high performance sport
sport for development and peace
UPCOMING EVENT
The Centre for Sport Policy Studies at U of T’s Faculty of
Kinesiology and Physical Education presents:
The Third Annual Peter Donnelly Lecture in Sport Policy Studies
Beyond the Pitch: The Social Costs of Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup
February 24, 2026 • 6:30 p.m. • Innis Town Hall
Join us on February 24 for the third annual Peter Donnelly Lecture in Sport Policy Studies, where we’ll be exploring the connection between hosting a mega-event like the FIFA World Cup and becoming a “world-class” city, with a particular focus on Toronto.
Learn what we can expect when the tournament finally arrives in Toronto, and why we should be collectively pushing for a more equitable and socially just approach to hosting this World Cup and other future mega-events in our city.
Plus, stick around for a post-lecture social to connect with other attendees and event presenters over light snacks and refreshments.
Keynote Speaker
David Roberts
Associate Professor of Urban Studies, U of T
David Roberts is an award-winning associate professor in U of T’s Department of Geography and Planning. His research and teaching focus on the geographies of race and racialization, urban infrastructure planning, and the politics of public participation in urban knowledge production and policymaking.
Event Details
February 24, 2026 at Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Avenue)
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Lecture starts at 7 p.m.
8 p.m., post-lecture social
No cost to attend but registration is required
We welcome students, staff, and faculty from across the University of Toronto community, as well as alumni of the Faculty and members of the public.
Questions about the event can be directed to Simon Darnell, Director of the Centre for Sport Policy Studies at simon.darnell@utoronto.ca
RECENT EVENTS
On May 7th, 2024, a research team led by Dr. Kyle Rich (Brock university) hosted a policy workshop at the Centre for Sport Policy Studies, part of a SSHRC-funded project focused on mapping the role of provincial/territorial sport policy in Canada. The workshop was attended by 25 experts from sport organizations and academic institutions. click here to read the report and its recommendations.
Click HERE to listen to Dr. Simon Darnell’s Recent Appearance on the Parenting Ed-Ventures Podcast
The Director of the Centre for Sport Policy Studies is Dr. Simon C. Darnell. Contact him at: simon.darnell@utoronto.ca