Natalie Barker-Ruchti is Associate Professor in sport management and sport coaching, Örebro University. She holds a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Otago and a MA in Recreation and Leisure Studies from Victoria University of Wellington, both New Zealand. Natalie gained her PhD in Human Movement Studies at The University of Queensland, Australia in 2007.

Laura Purdy is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sport and Physical Activity at Edge Hill University, UK. Her interest in the academic field of sports coaching was fostered by her involvement as a coach and coxswain in rowing programmes ranging from novice to elite levels, including junior, adaptive and veteran. This curiosity continues to be fuelled via contributions to coaches' CPD (Continuing Professional Development) in a range of sports and international settings. Laura's academic work focuses on performance sporting cultures and the experiences of coaches and athletes/players who operate in these contexts.