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 full-day forum for learning, networking and professional development addressing the major opportunities and challenges in sport today.

he programme brought together experts from across the sector to share insights into coaching methodology, sport psychology, performance nutrition and the latest sports technology.

In a keynote address, Scott McNeill, Head of Coach Development at the Premier League, examined what defines coaching expertise beyond technical ability, offering perspectives on coach development and how to create environments where athletes can flourish.

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 IFA’s Fair Game programme and the role of coaches and sporting bodies in promoting respect, equality and safe, inclusive environments.

Specialist workshops on performance, nutrition and innovation provided practical, evidence-based tools for coaches to apply in their own settings.

Opening the event, 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 forms part of a wider series of events and initiatives within Belfast’s European City of Sport 2026 programme, designed to inspire participation, strengthen coach development and leave a lasting legacy for sport and physical activity across the city.

The event also marked the launch of Coach Education Month — a schedule of learning and development opportunities to help coaches enhance their skills, knowledge and confidence. Throughout the month, a mix of courses and workshops will support coaches to deliver positive, safe and inclusive experiences for participants of all ages and abilities.

The coach education offer includes specialist courses on key issues shaping sport and physical activity today: 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 aim to build more inclusive environments, enhance participant wellbeing and equip coaches with the knowledge and confidence to meet the evolving demands of modern sport.

Coach Education Month is intended to provide accessible learning and ensure coaches are well equipped to support participants and strengthen the future of sport in Belfast. For details of upcoming courses, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/coacheducation.