Training civic virtues in sports: resilience and hope

Abstract The idea that sports can be used to shape a person in preparation for citizenship is not a new one. It was first articulated by the ancient Greeks, who employed physical training alongside poetry to form learners in virtue, so that they could contribute meaningfully to the polis. This article explores how, practically speaking, sports leadership today can use physical training towards the same end. It examines the value of sports in the acquisition of civic virtues. It also explores some of the difficulties in using sporting activities for character development, such as how competitive objectives can undermine community and whether values pluralism is an obstacle to coaching for citizenship.