The Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership's annual Clubs & Coaches Conference for 2026 is being held on Friday 27th November.

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 wil

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