David Barrett

David Barrett serves as a Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University's School of Sport and Physical Activity within the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, where he has contributed to the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) for over 16 years. Specializing in GIS and spatial data analysis, he partners with national sport organizations across the UK and Ireland—including the Gaelic Athletic Association, Sport England, and UK rugby governing bodies—to enhance research capacity on participation trends, volunteering dynamics, talent pathways, and economic impact assessments.

Barrett's research centers on the critical relationship between volunteer workforces and sport participation, particularly examining how voluntary sports clubs sustain participation opportunities amid socioeconomic pressures. His expertise in transforming organizational 'business as usual' data into strategic insights informs studies on cost-of-living impacts, pandemic recovery in grassroots sport, and the socioeconomic value of Gaelic Games. Methodologically, he integrates spatial database management, large-scale surveys, and qualitative stakeholder analysis to address complex sector challenges.

Recent publication trends reveal Barrett's focus on external shock resilience (Covid-19, cost-of-living crises), talent pathway inclusion across UK/Irish nations, and the economic-social valuation of sport. His work consistently bridges academic rigor with practical application for sport governing bodies, emphasizing spatial analytics and longitudinal data to track participation shifts and organizational adaptation.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS)

Barrett has led major commissioned research for Sport England, UK Sport, and the GAA—including facility audits across four UK/Irish football associations and the landmark Gaelic Games economic valuation study. His advisory role extends to local authorities and professional clubs like Celtic FC, where he translates data into strategic frameworks for sport development. As an active hockey volunteer and contributor to The Hockey Paper, he maintains direct engagement with community sport dynamics.

Based at SIRC, Barrett collaborates within Sheffield Hallam's sport research ecosystem, leveraging partnerships with national governing bodies to advance evidence-based policy. His current projects examine outdoor learning infrastructure and Camogie participation baselines, continuing SIRC's tradition of impactful sport sector consultancy.