Professor Paul Potrac

Professor

Department: Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Paul completed his honours degree in Sport Studies and History at Brunel University and obtained his PhD from the same institution in 2001. After holding academic positions at the University of Otago, Brunel University, Edge Hill University, and the University of Hull, he joined the Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria University in December 2016. Alongside his academic work, Paul was a football coach for 18 years. He coached male and female teams at various levels in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and New Zealand.

Campus Address

Northumberland Building
City Campus
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 8ST

Email Paul

Key Publications

Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
Caution! Achievement subjects at work: a Hanian analysis of policy enactment in Gaelic games, Coleman, D., Donnelly, P., Kelly, S., Horgan, P., Potrac, P. 13 Sep 2025, In: Sports Coaching Review
Challenges and Opportunities for Community Sport Coach Development: An appreciative inquiry project, Allen, J., Chapman, R., Nichol, A., Whitehead, A., Johns, K., Carroll, M., Hayton, J., Lascu, A., Hall, E., Potrac, P., Ryrie, A., Cronin, C. 30 Apr 2025, In: UK Coaching Research Journal
Combining crystallisation and creative non-fiction to develop new insights on the politically astute use of humour in sports coaching, Edwards, C., Potrac, P. 4 Mar 2025, In: Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health
Interpretivism: Exploring meaning making, intentional action, and group life in coaching research, Potrac, P., Jones, R., Hall, E., Ives, B., Morgan, C., Nelson, L. 23 Jan 2025, Research Methods in Sports Coaching, Abingdon, Routledge
Introduction, Nelson, L., Groom, R., Potrac, P. 23 Jan 2025, Research Methods in Sports Coaching, Abingdon, Routledge
Maintaining professional face: deceptive impression management in community sport coaching, Nelson, L., Shulman, D., Potrac, P., Gale, L., Ives, B. 24 Jul 2025, In: Sport, Education and Society
Playing by the (emotional) display rules: The everyday practices of coach educators, Maskrey, C., Potrac, P., Smith, A., Nelson, L. 17 Jul 2025, In: Sport, Education and Society
Research Methods in Sports Coaching, Nelson, L., Groom, R., Potrac, P. 23 Jan 2025
The emergence of organisations conducting Community Asset Transfers of leisure facilities, Haw, S., Potrac, P., Wharton, K., Findlay-King, L. 4 May 2025, In: Managing Sport and Leisure
The enactment of political skills in community sport coaching, Gale, L., Ives, B., Mitchell, T., Nichol, A., Stamp, D., Maskrey, C., Potrac, P., Nelson, L. 29 Jun 2025, In: Sports Coaching Review

PGR Supervision

Sam Jensen From surviving to thriving: what role does psychological safety play in promoting well-being amongst high performance coaches? Start Date: 01/10/2025
Laura Hill The development and application of Gaelic Athletics Association coaches’ political astuteness skills: A dramaturgical-interactionist analysis. Start Date: 01/10/2024
Philip Harvey A study to examine the differing effects of linear (LP) and nonlinear pedagogies (NLP) on the level of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) displayed within KS2 PE lessons and their influence on the development of Self-Regulatory Behaviours. Start Date: 30/01/2018