Belfast European City of Sport Coaching Conference Champions Coaching Excellence

Coaches, volunteers, students and sports professionals from across Northern Ireland gathered at Girdwood Community Hub for Belfast’s European City of Sport Coaching Conference.

The event focused on coach development, sport psychology, nutrition, technology, inclusion and athlete wellbeing.

It also marked the launch of Coach Education Month, with courses covering subjects including women’s health, LGBTQIA+ awareness and concussion in sport.

Belfast Coaching Conference Brings Sports Sector Together

Belfast’s European City of Sport Coaching Conference has brought coaches, volunteers and sporting professionals together for a major day of learning, networking and professional development.

Held at Girdwood Community Hub, the conference welcomed delegates from across Northern Ireland and explored some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing modern sport.

The programme covered:

• Coach development
• Sport psychology
• Performance nutrition
• Sports technology
• Inclusion and safeguarding
• Athlete health and wellbeing

The conference forms part of Belfast’s programme as European City of Sport 2026, with events and initiatives taking place throughout the year to encourage greater participation in sport and physical activity.

Premier League Expert Discusses Coach Development

Scott McNeill, Head of Coach Development at the Premier League, delivered one of the conference’s keynote sessions.

His presentation explored coaching expertise beyond technical knowledge and looked at how coaches can create positive environments where athletes and participants have the opportunity to develop and thrive.

The Premier League has invested significantly in coach and workforce development, including programmes designed to develop coaches, coach developers and football leaders.

The Belfast conference placed particular emphasis on giving coaches practical tools they can apply within clubs, teams and community sporting organisations.

Sport’s Role in Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls

Another important session focused on how sport can contribute to tackling violence against women and girls.

Sonya McMullan from Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland joined Nadine Murphy from the Irish FA Foundation for the discussion.

They highlighted the Irish FA Foundation’s Fair Game programme, which uses sport to promote healthier relationships, equality and respect among young people.

The programme was developed through a partnership involving the Irish FA Foundation, Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland and the PSNI.

The conference discussion explored the responsibility sporting organisations and coaches can have in promoting:

• Respect
• Equality
• Positive behaviour
• Safe sporting environments
• Inclusion

It also demonstrated how coaches can influence culture well beyond what happens during training sessions or competitions.

Performance, Nutrition and Sports Technology Workshops

Specialist workshops throughout the conference focused on performance, nutrition and innovation.

Delegates were given practical and evidence-based guidance designed to support their everyday coaching.

Technology was also among the major themes.

Sessions explored how tools such as video analysis can support learning, improve feedback and help athletes better understand their performance.

Belfast Investing in Coach Education

Councillor Jenna Maghie, Chair of Belfast City Council’s People and Communities Committee, said the quality of coaching was central to the long-term success of sport in Belfast.

She said:

“As Belfast celebrates its designation as European City of Sport 2026, we continue to recognise the vital role that sport and physical activity play in improving health and wellbeing, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.”

Councillor Maghie said coaches play an important role in developing skills, building confidence and encouraging people to remain involved in sport.

She added:

“Investing in coach education and development is essential to ensuring that sport continues to thrive across our city.”

She said the conference reflected many of the challenges and opportunities facing modern coaches, including psychology, nutrition and the increasing use of technology.

Coaches at the Heart of Belfast’s Sporting Communities

Jonathan Michael, Regional Business Manager at GLL, also highlighted the wider role played by coaches and volunteers.

He said:

“Sport has the power to improve physical and mental health, bring communities together, develop confidence and resilience, and create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate, achieve and thrive.”

He added that the impact of coaches, volunteers, practitioners and sporting organisations extends beyond results and sporting performance.

Their work can help create positive experiences, encourage inclusion, build stronger communities and inspire younger generations to become involved in sport.

Coach Education Month Launches in Belfast

The conference also marked the launch of Coach Education Month.

The programme will provide coaches with a series of learning and professional development opportunities designed to increase their knowledge, skills and confidence.

Belfast City Council says its wider Coach Education programme supports coaches and volunteers at different levels through accredited qualifications and specialist workshops.

Courses aim to help coaches create positive, safe and inclusive sporting environments.

Coach Education Month Courses

The programme includes specialist sessions addressing some of the issues currently shaping sport and physical activity.

Topics include:

• LGBTQIA+ Awareness in Sport
• Women’s Health in Sport
• Pelvic health
• Sports nutrition
• Concussion Awareness in Sport

Together, the courses aim to give coaches greater confidence when supporting participants with different needs and backgrounds.

They will also provide additional knowledge around athlete safety, inclusion and wellbeing.

Creating a Lasting European City of Sport Legacy

The Coaching Conference is one of a series of events and initiatives taking place as part of Belfast European City of Sport 2026.

Organisers hope the programme will encourage participation, strengthen coaching standards and create a lasting sporting legacy across Belfast.

Investment in knowledgeable and confident coaches can improve sporting experiences at every level, from grassroots community clubs to competitive performance.

Find Out More About Coach Education

Further information about Coach Education Month, including upcoming courses and registration details, is available from Belfast City Council:

Belfast City Council Coach Education:
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/community/health-and-wellbeing/active-lifestyle/sports-development/coach-education

You can also find more events, activities and things to do across Northern Ireland through our regularly updated events guide:

Northern Ireland Online Events:
https://northernirelandonline.com/events/