About
Research
Email: jacob.law@stmarys.ac.uk
Biography
Dr Jacob Law is a lecturer in PE, Sport and Youth Development and the Course Lead for FdSc Physical Education and Sports Coaching.
He is an early-career researcher in sport and physical education, with a particular interest in athlete development, dual careers, and creating more accessible and engaging opportunities for people to participate in sport and physical activity.
His academic background includes a BSc in Sports Coaching and Physical Education and an MSc in Sport and Exercise Science from Anglia Ruskin University, followed by a PhD focused on athlete dual careers and stakeholder theory. His research interests centre on understanding the environments and systems that shape people's experiences of sport, education, and physical activity, and how different stakeholders can work together to better support participation and development.
Alongside his academic experience, Jacob has a practical background in sport, including athletics coaching with a particular focus on sprinting, coaching within schools, and working with sports clubs. These experiences have helped shape his interest in bridging the gap between research and practice.
A key focus of his work is exploring how sport and physical education can become more accessible, enjoyable, and engaging for a wider range of people. He is particularly interested in providing varied movement and sporting opportunities that help individuals become more versatile and confident movers while developing positive, long-term relationships with sport and physical activity.
As an early-career researcher, Jacob is looking to continue developing his research profile, build collaborations across academia and practice, and contribute research that has a meaningful impact within sport, education, and physical activity.
Research
Research profile
Membership of professional bodies:
- International Society of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise (QRSE)
- UK Research Integrity Office (UKRI)
- British Academy Early Career Researcher Network
Publications:
- Law, J. and Davies, L. (2026) Preparing Aspiring Practitioners to Deliver Inclusive Physical Activity: Early Insights from a Higher Education Intervention in Collaboration with Goalball UK. Presented at the University of Worcester conference - Disability Sport: Reimagining Physical Culture, Health and Wellbeing, July 2026.
- Law, J. (2026, February 4). An important contribution to the field, bringing together history, embodiment, and personal experiences in a rare way. idrottsforum.org. https://idrottsforum.org/lawjac_fisher260204/
- Law, J. and McDonald, K. (in review). Athlete Education Dual Career and Stakeholder Dynamics A Qualitative Study of the AASE Programme in the UK.