Hertfordshire Clubs & Coaches Conference 2026
About this Event
Hertfordshire Clubs & Coaches Conference 2026
We’re pleased to announce that this year's event will focus on helping clubs and coaches create inclusive, person-centred environments where everyone can belong, develop and thrive.
We are delighted to welcome the following keynote speakers to the event:
Coach Dan Fogg and Paralypmic medallist Louise Fiddes of Hatfield Swimming Club will share the story behind their success, exploring how trust, understanding and adaptation helped shape a world-class coach-athlete partnership. Through both the coach's and athlete's perspective, discover how a person-centred approach can build confidence, enhance performance and create environments where people can truly thrive, on and off the field of play.
Chloe Brown from Activity Alliance will share the latest insight, research and lived experience on engaging disabled people in sport and physical activity. Discover the key ingredients behind successful inclusion, from understanding individual needs and removing barriers to creating welcoming environments where everyone can belong, participate and achieve their potential. This thought-provoking keynote will provide practical takeaways for clubs and coaches looking to build more inclusive offers and create positive experiences for every participant, regardless of ability or disability
Richard Hill MBE from the England Cricket Board and No Limits 2026 Campaign Ambassador will provide a summary of effective inclusive practice and the the impact it can have on the individual. How the ECB create an environemnt for all to flourish. Call for action to all delegates to apply their learning from the day into their daily training environment.
Each attendee will have the opportunity to attend two workshops, one in the morning session and one after lunch.
Schedule
10:00 - Arrival, Marketplace & Networking
10:30 – Welcome & Agenda
10:40 – Keynote – Dan Fogg and Louise Fiddes (Hatfield Swimming Club)
10:50 – Keynote – Chloe Brown (Activity Alliance)
11:10 – Keynote – Richard Hill (ECB and No Limits 2026 Campaign Ambassador)
11:30 – Break, Marketplace & Networking
11:45 – Morning Workshops (More information on workshops below)
12:45 – Lunch, Marketplace & Networking
13:30 – Afternoon Workshops (More information on workshops)
14:30 – Finish
Morning Workshops - 1 1:45-12:45
1) Lived Experience of Inclusive Practice for Coaches; Tips & Takeaways - Join Emma Tammaro & Lauren Cooper two of the No Limits 2026 campaign ambassadors, to hear first-hand experiences from people with lived experience of disability and inclusion. Gain a greater understanding of the barriers people can face, explore practical coaching solutions, and take away simple actions that can help every participant feel welcomed, valued and supported.
2) Exploring the Schools Enrichment Programme - Sport is a key part of the Government's new Schools Enrichment Framework, creating exciting opportunities for clubs to engage with schools like never before. Join Tanya Angus to understand the emerging landscape, learn how your club can become part of a school's enrichment offer, and explore practical approaches to increasing participation, recruiting new members, and building long-term partnerships with local schools.
3) Club Welfare: From Compliance to Culture - Good welfare is more than policies and DBS checks. Delivered by Bobs Fox, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership's Project Officer for Sport Welfare, this workshop will explore how clubs can move beyond compliance and create a positive culture where welfare, safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion are embedded in everything they do, helping participants feel safe, valued and supported.
4) A Person First Approach to Coaching - Great coaching starts with understanding the person, not just the player. Delivered by Tom Hartley from Play Their Way, discover how adopting a person-first approach can create more enjoyable, engaging, and inclusive experiences that keep participants motivated, support long-term development, and help every individual thrive in your environment.
Afternoon Workshops - 1 3:30-14:30
1) Creating Opportunities Through Inclusive Sport - Drawing on his experience of developing Harpenden & District Indoor Bowls Club into Hertfordshire's VIBE Hub, Chris Ellins will share practical lessons on improving accessibility, building confidence, and creating inclusive environments where disabled people can get involved, participate and succeed. Discover how simple changes and a commitment to inclusion can help clubs reach new audiences and create positive experiences for everyone.
2) Funding Application Masterclass - Delivered by Richard Sutcliffe, from Funding4Sport, who brings years of experience and a strong track record of success. Whether you're looking for equipment, facility improvements or programme funding, this workshop will help clubs understand what funders are looking for, where to find opportunities, and how to write stronger applications that give your club the best possible chance of success.
3) How to Motivate Your Athletes and Players - Keeping participants engaged is one of the biggest challenges facing coaches today. Drawing on extensive experience from elite and grassroots sport, John Harris will explore what truly motivates people, helping coaches create positive environments that increase enjoyment, commitment, confidence and long-term participation.
4) How to Turn a Sports Club into a Business - Many coaches dream of making coaching their career, but what does it really take? Paul Davis will share the journey of building a successful coaching business, exploring how a relentless focus on people, relationships and participant experience has helped grow membership and retain participants. Leave with practical ideas on developing your coaching offer, creating loyal members, generating sustainable income, and building a club that can support full-time coaching.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Arrival, Marketplace & Networking
Info: Tea, coffee and pastries will be available on arrival
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:40 AM
Welcome & Agenda
🕑: 10:40 AM - 10:50 AM
Keynote Speakers - Dan Fogg & Louise Fiddes of Hatfield Swimming Club
Info: Through both the coach's and athlete's perspective, discover how a person-centred approach can build confidence, enhance performance and create environments where people can truly thrive, on and off the field of play.
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
Keynote Speaker - Chloe Brown of the Activity Alliance
Info: This thought-provoking keynote will provide practical takeaways for clubs and coaches looking to build more inclusive offers and create positive experiences for every participant, regardless of ability or disability
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM
Keynote Speaker - Richard Hill of the ECB
Info: Summary of effective inclusive practice and the impact on the individual. How the ECB create an environemnt for all to flourish. Call for action to all delegates to apply their learning from the day into their daily training environment.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Workshops
Info: There are four workshops to choose from in the morning, covering key themes for clubs and coaches, including lived experience of inclusive practice, schools, club welfare and a person first approach to coaching.
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch, Marketplace & Networking
Info: Enjoy your 2 course lunch while networking with fellow delegates.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Workshops
Info: After lunch there are four brilliant workshop options for you to choose from, covering key topics that could support your club and coaches, including creating opportunities through inclusive sport, funding applications, how to motivate your athletes and players, and how to turn your sports club into a business.
🕑: 02:30 PM
Finish
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
