How growing bodies, changing hormones and first experiences of sport shape who keeps playing, and how well.

Adolescence, Puberty & Early Participation in Sport is the opening event in the Oxford Women’s Sport Research Network’s six-part Hormones & Human Performance series.

How do growing bodies, changing hormones and our first experiences of sport shape who keeps playing — and how well?

This panel brings together perspectives from research, performance and lived experience to explore adolescence, puberty and early participation in sport.

Our speakers are:

Dr Nicky Keay — Sport & dance endocrinologist

Megan Groombridge, DPhil — Podium

Olivia Carter — OUAFC Club Secretary; came through youth sport

The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A, chaired by Arabella Cox.

We are also delighted to be joined by Prof Dame Sarah Springman and Prof Alexander Betts, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford.

Thursday 5 November 2026

Doors: 1:45pm

Event: 2:00–4:00pm

Rooftop Suite, St Hilda’s College, Oxford

Free and open to all.

This is Panel 1 of 6 in the Hormones & Human Performance series from the Oxford Women’s Sport Research Network.

Description supplied by the event organiser.