The British Society of Sports History is committed to supporting the work of postgraduate, early career and independent researchers. This prize aims to provide an outlet for the exciting work that BSSH members are carrying out. The prize was first awarded in 2022 and in 2023/24, it was extended to include independent researchers. 

Playing Pasts was established with the aim of providing a public platform for academics and non-academics to make their research accessible to the widest possible audience. Since its inception in 2016 the site has presented a wide range of research topics and it now attracts 30,000+ reads a month from across the world. Contributions have come from a broad range of constituencies; established academics, early career researchers, postgraduate students, undergraduates, and a host of independent researchers.

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Application Procedure

All work published by BSSH postgraduate, early career, and independent researcher members on the Playing Pasts website within the twelve months preceding the BSSH Conference will automatically be eligible for the prize.

In order to submit your work to Playing Pasts:

If you are a postgraduate or early career researcher, please contact Andy Carter, the Postgraduate and Early Career Researchers Representative, at andy_kerr_carter@hotmail.co.uk

If you are an independent researcher, please contact Katie Holmes, the Independent Researcher Representative, at katie@runyoung50.co.uk

For further details on Playing Pasts’ requirements and the benefits of publishing on the website please follow this link: https://www.playingpasts.co.uk/editorial/writing-for-playing-pasts-reflections-of-a-phd-student/

Award of the Prize

The winner will be selected by Margaret Roberts, Editor of Playing Pasts and will be awarded £100 and their success promoted on the BSSH and Playing Pasts websites.

The winner will be announced at the British Society of Sports History Conference and on the BSSH and Playing Pasts websites. If the winner is not attending the conference, they will be notified within one month.