Personal profile
Biography
Jessica is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Management at Western Sydney University, where she researches how fans connect with sport and how stadiums shape their experiences.
She’s taught and coordinated a wide range of sport sociology and sport management units, picked up teaching awards, secured research funding, and published on fandom, gender and research ethics.
She proudly follows the Dragons, Sydney FC and Everton- even when it hurts.
Related links
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney
Bachelor of Arts, University of Sydney
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 4 Quality Education -
SDG 5 Gender Equality -
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure -
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Emergence and divergence of fan zones at the 2023 Women’s World Cup: Beyond the stadium
Richards, J., Grainger, A. & Mariyani-Squire, E., 2025, Politics, Social Issues and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Coombs, D. S. & Yanity, M. (eds.). U.K.: Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group), p. 229-246 18 p. (Critical Research in Football).Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference Paper › Chapter › peer-review
2 Citations (Scopus) -
It's more than just internships, placements, and guest lecturers: partnership pedagogy in practice
Richards, J. & Spanjaard, D., Jun 2025, In: Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sports and Tourism Education. 36, 14 p., 100545.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
1 Citation (Scopus) -
“If you build it, they will buy it”: exploring consumer insights of professional women’s football merchandising strategies
Sveinson, K., Clarkson, B., Parry, K. & Richards, J., 2025, In: Sport Management Review. 28, 3, p. 575-599 25 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
1 Citation (Scopus) -
2024 International Women in Sport Symposium: Books of Abstracts, Western Sydney University, School of Business, August 8-9, 2024
Richards, J. & O'Shea, M., 2024, Penrith, N.S.W.: Western Sydney University. 48 p.Research output: Book/Research Report › Authored Book
Open AccessFile104 Downloads (Pure) -
Collaborative pathways in sports management: a journey through partnership pedagogy in an open access textbook
Richards, J., Jewell, P. & Spanjaard, D., 2024, Open Education Down UndOER: Australasian Case Studies. Barber, A., Fatayer, M., McLennan, R., Luetchford, A., McQuillen, S. & Williamson, A. (eds.). Council of Australian University Librarians, p. 275-282 8 p.Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference Paper › Chapter › peer-review
Open AccessFile22 Downloads (Pure)
Projects
- 4 Finished
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Active Rugby Hubs: Evaluating the impact of an Australian Rugby program
George, E. (PI), Richards, J. (Investigator), Guagliano, J. (Investigator) & El Masri, A. (Investigator)
17/08/20 → 31/03/24
Project: Research
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LGBT inclusion in Australian Tennis
Storr, R. (PI) & Richards, J. (Investigator)
25/06/19 → 25/07/20
Project: Research
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Kicking Goals for Western Sydney: Fan Engagement and Experience at Bankwest Stadium
Richards, J. (PI), Hall, T. (Investigator), O'Shea, M. (Investigator) & Garlin, F. (Investigator)
Parramatta National Rugby League Club Limited
20/06/19 → 31/12/22
Project: Research
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Evaluation of Football Federation of Australia Multicultural Settlement Program
Parry, K. (PI) & Richards, J. (Investigator)
Football Federation Australia Limited
14/03/18 → 29/03/19
Project: Research
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Higher Education Academy (Event)
Richards, J. (Other)
1 Jan 2022 → 1 Jan 2027Activity: Membership › Academy
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Journal of the Sociology of Leisure (Journal)
Richards, J. (Editor)
1 Jan 2022 → 31 May 2023Activity: Peer-review and Editorial Work › Editorial work
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School of Business Research Committee (Event)
Richards, J. (Member)
20 Oct 2019 → …Activity: Membership › Committee
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Western Sydney Academy of Sport (Event)
Richards, J. (Member)
1 Mar 2019 → …Activity: Membership › Board
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Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand (Event)
Richards, J. (Other)
1 Jan 2019 → 1 Jan 2022Activity: Membership › Association
Press/Media
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The Matildas keep soaring but the league, and players, beneath them are being left behind
20/11/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media
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What makes a good women’s football stadium? Everton point the way
25/09/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media
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My Little Pony and inspiring the next generation: Is the marketing of women’s sport falling short?
31/05/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media
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How can sports brands respond to Aussie Gen Z’s unique fandom culture?
2/05/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media
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