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Date: 6 October 2026
Category: News
Coaches, volunteers, sports professionals and students from across Northern Ireland gathered at Girdwood Community Hub this week for Belfast’s European City of Sport Coaching Conference, a day dedicated to learning, networking and professional development that explored some of the key opportunities and challenges facing sport today.
The conference brought together leading experts from across the sporting sector to share insights on coaching practice, sport psychology, performance nutrition and sports technology.
A keynote from Scott McNeill, Head of Coach Development at the Premier League, examined coaching expertise beyond technical skills, and shared insights on coach development and creating environments where athletes can thrive.
Delegates also heard from Sonya McMullan of Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland and Nadine Murphy from the Irish FA Foundation on how sport can help tackle violence against women and girls. The discussion highlighted the impact of the IFA’s Fair Game programme and the role coaches and sports organisations can play in promoting respect, equality and safe, inclusive environments.
The programme also featured specialist workshops focused on performance, nutrition and innovation in sport, providing coaches with practical, evidence-based tools to support their own coaching practice.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Councillor Jenna Maghie, Chair of Belfast City Council's People and Communities Committee, 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.
“The success and sustainability of sport at every level depends on the quality of coaching that supports participants, athletes and teams. Coaches play a crucial role in creating positive experiences, developing skills, building confidence and helping people stay engaged in sport throughout their lives. Investing in coach education and development is essential to ensuring that sport continues to thrive across our city.
“This conference is an important part of that commitment, placing coaching at the heart of our European City of Sport legacy ambitions. The themes explored reflected both the challenges and opportunities facing modern coaching. From understanding the psychological skills that support performance under pressure, to ensuring athletes are properly fuelled to thrive, and exploring how technology such as video analysis can enhance learning and performance, there was valuable insight for coaches working at every level of sport.”
Jonathan Michael, Regional Business Manager, GLL said: "As Belfast celebrates its designation as European City of Sport 2026, today has highlighted the vital role that sport and physical activity play in our city. 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.
“The coaches, volunteers, practitioners, students and sporting organisations represented here today are at the heart of making that happen. The impact of their work extends far beyond performance and results. Every day, they help create positive experiences, foster inclusion, build stronger communities and inspire the next generation."
The Coaching Conference is one of a series of events and initiatives taking place throughout Belfast's European City of Sport 2026 programme, helping to inspire participation, support coach development and create a lasting legacy for sport and physical activity across the city.
The event also marked the launch of Coach Education Month, a programme of learning and development opportunities aimed at helping coaches enhance their skills, knowledge and confidence. Throughout the month a range of coach education courses and workshops are available designed to help coaches create positive, safe and inclusive sporting experiences for participants of all ages and abilities.
The coach education programme features a range of specialist courses focused on some of the key issues shaping sport and physical activity today. Topics include LGBTQIA+ Awareness in Sport, Women’s Health in Sport, covering areas such as pelvic health and nutrition, and Concussion Awareness in Sport. Together, these courses will help coaches create more inclusive environments, better support participant wellbeing and develop the knowledge and confidence needed to respond to the evolving challenges facing modern sport.
Coach Education Month will provide accessible learning and development opportunities ensuring coaches are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to support participants and strengthen the future of sport in Belfast. Further information on Coach Education Month and details of upcoming courses are available at belfastcity.gov.uk/coacheducation