Raising the standard
What should we hold onto - and what needs to evolve?

11-13 September 2026
East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham

A 3-DAY FESTIVAL OF LEARNING, PRACTICE AND CONNECTION

This year, the UKSCA Annual Conference expands into a three-day festival, bringing together specialist workshops, sport-specific learning, and the core conference experience.

From focused deep-dives to broad professional discussion, the 2026 event is designed to support practitioners at every stage and across the full spectrum of sport & health.

Where the profession comes together to shape what comes next

As the professional body for strength and conditioning in the UK, the UKSCA does more than represent the profession - it defines the standards that underpin it.

The Annual Conference is where those standards are examined, challenged and moved forward.

In 2026, we focus on a critical question:

What should we hold onto - and what needs to evolve?

As the demands of sport & health continue to shift, not everything we do, or have always done, will remain. This year’s event will challenge assumptions, test current thinking, and explore the principles and practices that truly define high-quality delivery.

From coaching and performance to rehabilitation and education, this is an opportunity to not just reflect on practice, but to actively shape what comes next.

The 3-day experience

Friday 11 September – Specialist seminars & workshops

Start your conference experience with focused, high-value learning:

• 1-Day Football Seminar
  Explore the specific demands of strength and conditioning in football, with insights from experienced practitioners working in the game
• 1-Day Workshop with Bill Knowles
  A deep dive into performance, rehabilitation and return-to-play from one of the most respected practitioners in the field
• Additional specialist workshops (to be announced)

These sessions offer a more intimate, applied learning environment ahead of the main conference.

Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 September – Main Conference

The core UKSCA Conference brings together the full community across two days of learning, discussion and connection.

​You can expect:

• Keynotes, panels and debates exploring standards, expectations and the future of the profession
• Practical workshops and applied sessions bridging the gap between theory and delivery
• Experienced coaches and practitioners demonstrating what effective delivery looks like in real environments
• Industry-leading researchers sharing evidence that informs and challenges current thinking
• Poster and oral presentations showcasing emerging research and applied insights
• Extensive networking opportunities across the profession

Why attend?

Whether you’re just starting out or leading a programme, this event is designed to develop your practice and expand your perspective.

You will leave with:

• A clearer understanding of what to prioritise in your own practice
• Practical ideas you can apply immediately in coaching and delivery
• Greater confidence to make informed decisions in complex settings
• New perspectives from across the wider sport & health sector
• Valuable connections that extend beyond the conference.

More than a conference

This is where the profession comes together. Not just to learn, but to contribute.

• Share ideas and challenge current thinking
• Learn from different sectors and environments
• Build relationships that support your development
• Play a role in raising standards across sport & health

Join us in Nottingham

Set within the East Midlands Conference Centre, the event combines high-quality presentation spaces with integrated practical facilities, creating an environment where ideas move seamlessly into application.

Be part of it

Attend one day, or experience the full three-day festival - the choice is yours.

Whether you're attending, presenting, or both, this is your opportunity to engage with the people and ideas shaping the future of the profession.