Dr Sofia Santos
Senior Lecturer in Coaching Science
Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences
Overview
Sofia Santos is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Director for the MSc Sport Coaching degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University, and a member of the Sports Coaching Hub. Her research focuses on sociological issues in sport, with particular emphasis on power dynamics and social interactions within coaching contexts. This work underpins her expertise in coaching, leadership, and social equity.
Sofia’s scholarship informs both her teaching and supervisory practice, as well as her innovation work with partner organisations. She has collaborated with National Governing Bodies including the Welsh Rugby Union, Team Wales, and Tennis Wales to design and deliver coach education and leadership programmes. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly through initiatives that support women and underrepresented groups in high-performing contexts.
Sofia has extensive experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating bespoke learning programmes that support personal and professional development, such the award-wining LeadHERship programme. Her research and innovation projects span the full lifecycle from conception to delivery, with a focus on creating meaningful and sustainable impact in coaching practice.
Research Publications
Experiences as a young action researcher: Developing a contemporary sports coaching curriculum
Godman, E. M. A., Santos, S. & Harris, K., 2026, Sport, Higher Education and Critical Pedagogies. Pielichaty, H., Velija, P., Phipps, C. & Dickerson, N. (eds.). 1 ed. Oxon: Routledge, p. 39-49 11 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Alienation, Othering and Reconstituting: An Alternative Future for Women’s Coach Education
Harris, K., Jones, R. & Santos, S., 8 Jan 2024, In: Quest. 76, 2, p. 154-168 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Developing the use of explicitation techniques in team games as a pedagogical tool for coaching practice
Hunter, A. R., Morgan, K., Harris, K., Santos, S. & Mouchet, A., 6 Mar 2023, In: International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. 18, 4, p. 1025-1035 11 p., 18.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Charming, influencing and seducing: a portrayal of everyday coaching
Santos, S. & Jones, R. L., 16 Feb 2022, In: Sport, Education and Society. 28, 4, p. 448-460 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Coach learning and coach education: Portuguese expert coaches' perspective
Mesquita, I., Ribeiro, J., Santos, S. & Morgan, K., Jun 2014, In: Sport Psychologist. 28, 2, p. 124-136 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Do coaches orchestrate? the working practices of elite portuguese coaches
Santos, S., Jones, R. L. & Mesquita, I., 22 May 2013, In: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 84, 2, p. 263-272 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Coaching, caring and the politics of touch: A visual exploration
Jones, R. L., Bailey, J. & Santos, S., 12 Mar 2013, In: Sport, Education and Society. 18, 5, p. 648-662 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Who is coaching? Developing the person of the coach
Jones, R., Bailey, J., Santos, S. & Edwards, C., 2012, Sports and coaching: Pasts and futures. Day, D. (ed.). Crewe: MMU Institute of Performance Research, p. 1 12 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
Visual methods in coaching research: Capturing everyday lives
Jones, R., Santos, S., Mesquita, I. & Gilbourne, D., 5 Dec 2011, Research Methods in Physical Education and Youth Sport. Taylor and Francis, p. 263-275 13 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Coaches' perceptions of competence and acknowledgement of training needs related to professional competences
Santos, S., Mesquita, I., Graça, A. & Rosado, A., Mar 2010, In: Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 9, 1, p. 62-70 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review