History, Heritage and Social Inclusion: A case study of rugby league

The role of the heritage sector has changed dramatically since the 1990s. Specifically, museums have transitioned away from being places of collection management and education, towards institutions that have been required to act as agents of social inclusion. This thesis examines the role that sporting heritage, in particular rugby league heritage, has assumed in assisting the heritage sector in addressing issues surrounding social inclusion and wellbeing. While there has been much research about how museums are undertaking this work, there remains a limited understanding of rugby league heritage projects and their impact on those engaging with them, which this thesis aims to change. The research examines the changing nature of heritage and shapes the conversation about its utility, with topics including its battle with academic history to its use as a way for groups to engage in their own history. The thesis examines the question of if and how rugby league heritage projects are a vehicle for social inclusion. It examines three case studies in rugby league heritage which are grounded in a historiographical and cultural context. By privileging the voices and experiences of those who have participated in rugby league heritage projects, the thesis places often excluded communities and individuals at the heart of the research process through interviews and a series of participant-observation sessions. The main finding is that, for many, engaging in rugby league heritage projects has given them an opportunity to tell their own stories, place those stories within a wider context and to take an ownership of their history both in relation to rugby league and a broader narrative of the north of England: these are all hallmarks of social inclusion. The organisations that have run rugby league heritage projects position themselves as agents of inclusion, health and wellbeing, and their interventions result in stronger individuals and communities. This work establishes the factors contributing to their success and offers practical advice to a sector seeking to work on an inclusionary platform with its communities.