When I first signed up for the 2025 UKSCA Annual Conference in Nottingham, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As a young female coach, still early in my career, it felt like a big step – travelling down from Scotland, walking into a room full of people I didn’t know, and hoping I’d find my place among them.

From the very first evening, my nerves began to ease. A simple conversation at the hotel completely shifted my perspective - suddenly, I wasn’t “on my own” anymore. Instead, I was surrounded by people who shared the same passion, goals, and commitment to growing in this profession.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEKEND

The conference gave me so much more than I expected. Some of the biggest takeaways for me included:

• Belonging to a welcoming community - it was inspiring to be part of a group of practitioners all striving to grow and support each other.
• Practical learning I can apply straight away - from building effective S&C programmes in schools, to using gymnastics and parkour to help young athletes embrace chaos, I’ve added new tools to my coaching toolbox.
• Understanding the power of mentorship - hearing how experienced coaches use mentorship to develop decision-making, communication, and emotional intelligence really reinforced the importance of seeking and giving support.
• Confidence in my own practice - the weightlifting, plyometric, agility and speed workshops with UKSCA assessors gave me both new skills and belief in my pathway towards ASCC accreditation.
• Networking outside my comfort zone - I pushed myself to connect, ask questions, and start conversations. Hearing feedback on how I came across as confident and engaged was a huge boost.
• The Female Coach Mentorship Programme - Learning about the UKSCA Female Coach Mentorship Programme was a real highlight. It was inspiring to see an initiative designed specifically to create space for female practitioners, and knowing that opportunities like this exist and that I can put myself forward, reassures me that there are genuine pathways for women to grow and succeed in S&C.
• Thanking those who supported me – I also want to thank the people who took the time to speak with me, make me feel welcome, and share their knowledge and experience. Those conversations not only gave me advice I can apply straight away, but also opened doors to shadow coaches, learn from their environments, and see their programmes in action. It’s a reminder that this community doesn’t end with a conference weekend — it continues through the relationships we build and the support we give one another.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Strength and conditioning is still a male-dominated industry, and it can feel daunting stepping into it as a young female practitioner. But the UKSCA conference showed me the opposite side of that story - one where women are not only welcomed but encouraged, supported, and celebrated.

For me, the conference wasn’t just about sitting in lectures or attending workshops. It was about planting the seeds of growth meeting people who’ve walked this path before me, learning from their journeys, and seeing how I can shape my own career in the years ahead.

It confirmed to me that this is the industry I want to be part of. I’ve left with knowledge, inspiration, and connections that will last long beyond the three days in Nottingham.

LOOKING AHEAD

The conference has given me the motivation to keep pushing forward, save the dates for next year, and continue developing as a coach. For anyone considering attending for the first time, especially other young women, I’d say take the leap. The learning, the networking, and the sense of belonging are worth every mile of the journey.

I’m so grateful to everyone I met, to the speakers who shared their insights and to UKSCA for hosting such an incredible event. This feels like just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it leads next.

HERE'S TO BUILDING THE FUTURE OF S&C - TOGETHER

Mia’s reflections highlight the impact of being welcomed into a supportive professional community. They also echo the UKSCA’s wider commitment to inclusivity and representation across the strength and conditioning industry.

As Julie Gooderick, UKSCA Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, explains:

“The UKSCA remains committed to ensuring the national conference and all other UKSCA events are welcoming, inclusive and engaging for all members; we aim to provide representation across all sectors of the industry, and bespoke networking opportunities, such as the female networking drinks, for underrepresented groups.

The networking opportunities during, and after the conference, is always reported as one of the most positive aspects for members!

Following on from a successful pilot year, the UKSCA female coach mentorship programme will expand significantly this year; with 8 new mentors joining the programme, and two UKSCA fellows contributing to the scheme of work across the year, providing invaluable skill development, bespoke placement opportunities and industry navigation skills.

For other practitioners looking to start their journey in the industry – welcome, and we look forward to working with you to progress our industry together.”