08:30 - 09:00 - Registration, refreshments, and networking. (Marble Hall and Gallery)
Refreshments served
09:00 - 10:30 Morning Plenary Session I - (Lecture Theatre)
National and Local Government Strategies
09:00 - Welcome to the Why Sports Conference (Lecture Theatre)
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Welcome to the Conference
09:10 - A National Movement: Creating a Physically Active Britain. (Lecture Theatre)
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Aligning local, regional and national agendas to promote sustained physical activity.
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Inter-departmental collaboration: Health, education, sports and green transportation.
09:30 - Physical Activity as a Preventative Medicine (Lecture Theatre)
Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
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Reducing NHS burden through community movement initiatives.
09:50 - Building the Blueprint: Sport England’s Journey from Strategy to Sustainable Success. (Lecture Theatre)
Sport England
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Future trends in sports and physical activity.
10:10 - Headline Sponsor Presentation - (Lecture Theatre)
Partner to be confirmed
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Presentation topics to be confirmed
10:30 -11:00 - Coffee, Refreshments, and Networking (Marble Hall and Gallery)
Served for all attendees
11:00 - 12:30 Morning Plenary Session 2 - (Lecture Theatre)
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11:00 - The Social and Economic Value of Sport and Physical Activity (Lecture Theatre)
Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Proving economic and social impacts.
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Securing investment in sport and physical activity.
11:20 - The Health Economics of an Active Nation (Lecture Theatre)
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Sport and physical activity aligning to wider health missions.
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Using physical activity is a cost-effective preventative approach to reducing chronic conditions.
11:40 - Raising Physical Activity Levels for the Whole Adult Population (Lecture Theatre)
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Shifting from equality to equity.
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Engaging effectively with diverse communities, ensuring inclusive policies and programmes.
12:00 - Why Devolution Deals are Good for our Health and Communities (Lecture Theatre)
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Aligning with government priorities on health, social care and economic prosperity.
12:30 - Growing the Social Impact Investment Market. (Lecture Theatre)
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Presentation topics to be confirmed
12:50 - Masterclass Presentation - Social Impact and Value. (Lecture Theatre)
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Presentation topics to be confirmed
12:30 - Active Commuting. (Council Room)
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Increasing the number of local journeys being walked, wheeled or cycled by 2030.
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Investing in cycling infrastructure.
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Active travel to be integrated into broader.
12:50 - Masterclass Presentation - (Council Room)
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Presentation topics to be confirmed
12:30 - Women and Girls in Sports: Beyond Participation. (Manufacturing Room)
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Retention, leadership and inclusive strategies.
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Challenging traditional sporting structures through gender inclusivity.
12:50 - Masterclass Presentation - (Manufacturing Room)
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Presentation topics to be confirmed
13:15 - 14:30 Lunch and networking
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2-course buffet lunch
14:30 - Safeguarding In Sport and Physical Activity. (Lecture Theatre)
NSPCC (invited)
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Youth safety, new approaches to safeguarding and engagement.
14:50 - Masterclass Presentation - (Lecture Theatre)
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Presentation topics to be confirmed
14:30 - Active Places. (Council Room)
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Addressing regional inequalities in activity levels across England.
14:50 - Masterclass Presentation - (Council Room)
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Presentation topics to be confirmed
14:30 - The Volunteer Economy: Investing in the Heartbeat of Sport. (Manufacturing Room)
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Retention, recognition and future proofing volunteering.
14:50 - Masterclass Presentation - (Manufacturing Room)
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Presentation topics to be confirmed
15:20 - Comfort Break
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Light refreshments
15:30 - 16:30 Afternoon Plenary Session - (Lecture Theatre)
Inclusivity and Participation
15:30 - Inclusive Opportunities for Disabled People in Sports and Physical Activity(Lecture Theatre)
Activity Alliance
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Presentation topics to be confirmed
15:50 - Facilitating Opportunities for Older Adults to Participate in Physical Activity (Lecture Theatre)
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Activities must cater to diverse older age groups.
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Inclusive age-friendly design.
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Targeted programmes and initiatives.
16:10 - Case Study Presentation - (Lecture Theatre)
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Presentation topics to be confirmed
16:30 - Conference Closed
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Thank you for supporting theWhy Sports 2026 Conference