This collection of research papers are aligned through a shared focus on evaluation of, and within the field of community sports development management, evaluation and practice. Whilst predominantly from a United Kingdom perspective they are intentionally located with the growing international interest in what has been referred to as a policy subfield, disjointed area of professional practice and wider community development process in itself. The research was originally presented at the European Sports Development Network (ESDN) symposium at Sheffield Hallam University in England in 2012. The aim, in part of this network is to bring UK practitioners, academics and policy makers together to look outwards beyond an Anglo-centric focus to learn lessons, share good practice and build collaborative links with those working in sports development beyond UK shores.