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AoC Sport Curriculum Conference 2025

Venue: Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough, LE11 3GR

Date: 13 February 2025

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Fee: Starting from £145 +VAT per delegate

Join us for our annual AoC Sport Curriculum Conference, returning to Holywell Park Conference Centre on Thursday 13 February. The conference will again aim to deliver a high-quality programme of keynote speakers, breakout sessions and exhibitors, as well as provide plenty of opportunities to network with further education colleagues from across the country.

The conference is dedicated to driving excellence in curriculum design and policy development in further education and sport. It is designed for staff in colleges who have a responsibility for planning and delivering study programmes in sport, physical activity, fitness and active leisure.

Throughout the day, there will be an emphasis on discussion, sharing practice and networking, aiming to:

  • support colleges to create high quality curriculum and study programmes
  • address key issues that affect staff responsible for curriculum development
  • enhance knowledge of teaching, learning and assessment
  • explore opportunitites to build relationships with external partners, employers and funding organisations

View the Programme here.

Join the conversation and stay up-to-date with the latest news: @AoC_Sport


Delegate Fees

  • AoC Sport full member – per delegate – £145 + VAT
  • AoC Sport associate member/AoC only member – per delegate – £245 + VAT
  • Non-member institution – per delegate – £405 + VAT
  • Non-member commercial – per delegate – £740 + VAT

Additional discounts are available for AoC Sport member group bookings – these must be booked together for the discount to be applied.

Two delegates from same institution = 10% discount

Three delegates or more from same institution = 15% discount


Exhibitors
Active IQ

Active IQ operates globally and is the UK's leading Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation for the physical activity sector. We design, quality assure and award a wide range of accredited qualifications, accompanied by high-quality resources that support clear career pathways, and lead the way in health, wellness and physical activity, championing industry standards at the highest level in the UK and internationally.

Website: www.activeiq.co.uk

Leadership Skills Foundation

The Leadership Skills Foundation is a prominent awarding organisation dedicated to the development of leadership skills in young people. We bring these essential skills to life through practically applied qualifications and accredited awards across the curriculum and beyond, empowering learners with the confidence to believe, the qualities to lead and the skills to succeed.

Website: https://leadershipskillsfoundation.org/

Perform Better

Perform Better is the UK’s most innovative supplier of high-quality Sport Science, Performance Monitoring and Training Equipment. Perform Better’s extensive range includes everything from traditional strength and agility training, to advanced, cutting-edge sport science equipment for physical therapy. Perform Better also specialise in designing and fitting custom training facilities throughout the education and elite sport sectors, as well as around the world, including our renowned popup gyms.

Website: https://performbetter.co.uk/

Veo Technologies

Advanced technology in the world of sport is unfairly distributed, and Veo is on a mission to change that. Veo recently introduced the Veo Cam 3, representing a groundbreaking leap in sports camera technology. This third-generation camera seamlessly combines technological advancement with reliability, retaining its iconic green triangle design while being portable and integrated into one unit for ease of use.

The Veo Cam 3 sets the stage for a new era in sports camera technology, offering sports teams, schools and colleges the tools they need to elevate performance and engage students. We invite you to explore the future of sports recording and live-streaming with the Veo Cam 3 at a £200 off discounted rate via our Veo partnership. (optional - Click here to claim your discount. )

Website: https://www.veo.co

OCR

Our general and vocational qualifications equip learners with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their full potential. These qualifications have been developed by working closely with teachers, industries, subject professionals and higher education institutions.

Website: www.ocr.org.uk/sport

Gym Gear

Gym Gear are suppliers of commercial fitness equipment ranging from cardio and strength machines through to free weights, gym flooring and general fitness accessories. We are also able to provide service packages to suit any need which is supported by our extensive network of UK wide engineers.

Website: www.gymgear.co.uk

Street Games UK

StreetGames is one of the UK's leading 'Sport for Development' charities - changing lives and transforming communities through the power of sport. The StreetGames Training Academy balance sharing our expertise with innovative and experiential training. StreetGames’ training is valued because our methods have been honed through delivery to coaches and volunteers with varying learning expectations and needs, predominantly in underserved communities. Interactive and active learning are central to the success and development of our learners.

Website: https://www.streetgames.org/th...

Output Sports

Output Sports aims to make elite sports science simple and scalable with an integrated system that includes a portable sensor, Capture App, and a desktop HUB. Our all-in-one platform offers a new and better way to test, monitor, analyze, report, and program athletic performance. Our system offers versatile testing so you can rapidly measure strength, power, movement and more with a user-friendly software interface.

Website: https://www.outputsports.com/

Kitlocker

The only place to get your teamwear. Servicing schools, colleges, unis, grassroots and NGBs to name a few...

Website: https://www.kitlocker.com/

Les Mills UK

Building stronger futures for your students: How Les Mills is partnering with colleges and fitness employers to equip students for career success.

This session will explore how Les Mills is partnering with colleges and fitness employers to create career pathways for student success. Learn how this collaborative approach equips students with industry recognised certifications, real world experience and employment opportunities within the fitness sector.

Website: https://www.lesmills.com/

Serious Sport

The Serious Sport Group was established in 2005 & is the exclusive AOC clothing partner. They recognised a niche market to provide high-quality team clothing and personalised sportswear, delivered in just 5-7 working days via a Team Store model.

Serious Sport is now one of the fastest growing teamwear companies in the UK, supplying match & training clothing to a huge variety of sports including Cricket, Netball, Football, Rugby and Hockey as well as multiple schools, colleges & universities. The company philosophy is to offer top quality garments, backed up with unrivalled 5 star service at competitive prices.

Website: https://www.serioussport.co.uk

UK Coaching & 1st4Sport

1st4sport is an industry-leading, specialist Recognised Awarding Organisation, offering a comprehensive range of sector-specific qualifications, tailored pathways, end-point assessments, and cutting-edge educational services. In partnership with sport’s governing bodies and professional organisations, we craft qualifications that meet the ever-evolving needs of the industry. With our deep industry expertise and a growing cross-sector network, we are at the forefront of shaping the future of coaching and physical activity. We don’t just adapt to changes—we actively drive progress. As part of UK Coaching Solutions Limited, the trading arm of UK Coaching, a UK-registered charity leading coaching development, choosing 1st4sport means supporting the advancement of coaching across a wide spectrum of sports and physical activities, ultimately benefiting children, athletes, and communities across the UK.

Website: https://www.1st4sport.com/

17sport

17sport work with Schools, Colleges, Universities and Sports clubs to provide complete kit, teamwear and equipment solutions. Stockists of Joma, Kappa, Castore, Adidas, New Balance, Mizuno, Surridge, Puma, Hummel and Precision. Created by F.E. professionals who understand the needs of the sector meaning we can take the hassle out of kit supply. Our services include; enrolment day sizing events, free online stores, free staff kit, specialist in-house personalisation and large stock holdings. 17Sport Trusted by over 250 sporting institutions in the UK.

Website: https://www.17sport.co.uk

Gait and Motion Technology
At Gait and Motion Technology, we specialise in biomechanical measurement solutions for college, university and elite sport, as well as wider disciplines of the healthcare industry. Our portfolio is meticulously picked to be applied in teaching and education settings, and perform to the level required at the pinnacle of sport.

Website: https://www.gaitandmotion.co.uk/

Speakers
Jatinder Sharma
Principal and Chief Executive of Walsall College, Walsall College
Jenny Stafford Brown
Product Manager Sport, Pearson
Jenny Stafford Brown photo

Jenny is an experienced FE practitioner and quality assurance professional with over 25 years of experience in BTEC Sport and Sport and Exercise Sciences. She works for Pearson in a variety of capacities including Chair of Examiners, senior standards verifier, qualification developer, trainer and is currently in the role of interim product manager for sport. Jenny is an Ofsted Inspector and also works as a consultant for a variety of NGBs and Professional bodies. She has authored a number of published textbooks and online learner and teacher resources in the fields of sport and sport and exercise sciences.

Jenny Stafford Brown photo
Ciara Grogan
Women’s Coaching Programme Leader, Women in Sport
Steve Hope
Director, Edufuturists

Edufuturists is a forward thinking organisation dedicated to reimagining the future of education through innovation, technology, and collaboration. With a focus on empowering educators, students, institutions and systems, Edufuturists champion cutting edge tools and practices that foster lifelong learning, creativity, and adaptability in an ever evolving world. Through podcasts, events, and resources, they bring together global thought leaders and practitioners to share insights, inspire change, and shape the next generation of education. Driven by a mission to bridge the gap between traditional approaches and future needs, Edufuturists pave the way for a transformative, inclusive, and future-ready education landscape.

Ben Whittaker
Director, Edufuturists

Edufuturists is a forward thinking organisation dedicated to reimagining the future of education through innovation, technology, and collaboration. With a focus on empowering educators, students, institutions and systems, Edufuturists champion cutting edge tools and practices that foster lifelong learning, creativity, and adaptability in an ever evolving world. Through podcasts, events, and resources, they bring together global thought leaders and practitioners to share insights, inspire change, and shape the next generation of education. Driven by a mission to bridge the gap between traditional approaches and future needs, Edufuturists pave the way for a transformative, inclusive, and future-ready education landscape.

Lucy Supperstone
Director of Innovation & Standards, Leadership Skills Foundation

Lucy's passion for leadership skill development started in her early teaching career at Loughborough College. After 7 years delivering study programmes and co-ordinating provision Lucy joined the Leadership Skills Foundation in 2008 to share her passion for enabling young people to build their essential leadership skills through recognised leadership programmes. For the past 16 years her role has supported education organisations in 42 different countries to develop leadership skills in over 1.5 million young people. Lucy is passionate to share her learnings on the need for developing leadership skills and how this can support young people to believe, lead and succeed.

Catherine Sezen
Director of Education Policy, Association of Colleges
Sarah Durnford
Instructor Experience Development Director & Capability and Learning Coach, Les Mills UK
Kelly Johnson
Product Development Manager, Active IQ

Kelly brings over 15 years of experience in vocational education, having worked in the Further Education sector across a variety of impactful roles, including teacher, curriculum leader, and curriculum operations manager. Specialising in Sport, Health, and Fitness, Kelly has taught and inspired students from Level 1 to Foundation Degree level, including A-levels, fostering a passion for education and personal development.

A qualified fitness coach and kettlebells instructor, Kelly is deeply connected to the Health and Fitness industry. Outside of the classroom, Kelly thrives on activities like running, cycling, hill walking, Pilates, and Boogie Bounce, embodying the active lifestyle that she encourages in others.

Paul Swainson
Research and Development Lead, Future Fit
Ben Hulson
Regional Manager, CIMSPA
Wayne Loseby
Head of Department: Sport and Uniformed Protective Services , Vision West Nottinghamshire College 
John Gibson
Head of Curriculum - Sport, Law, Policing and Protective Services , Newcastle College
Nick Ramsden
Assistand Principal for Vocational Education, Derby College Group

Nick is in his third year as an Assistant Principal overseeing 14 curriculum areas over three sites. Prior to this he worked as a Team Manager for Sport & Public Services for 15 years. He is the Chair of the AoC Curriculum Network for the East Midlands.

Todd Bailey
Curricuum Manager, NSCG
Todd Bailey photo

Todd has worked in the FE and Skills Sector since 2010 as a Lecturer, Curriculum Leader and Curriculum Manager. He is a forward thinking, proactive middle-manager that supports a staff team of 22 lecturers delivering on a wide range of L2-L5 provision in Sports, Fitness and the Public/Legal Services.

Todd Bailey photo
Sue Watson
Partnership Manager, British Association for Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)

Sue has over 21 years’ experience within the sports sector; after graduating from Loughborough University, Sue went on to become a qualified FE lecturer before diversifying into sports development and management, the fitness industry and high performance sport. Sue has vast experience in brokering new partnerships and nurturing existing ones to their full potential with influential organisations, such as the UK Sports Institute and Premier League, within the Sport and Exercise sector. She also has experience in managing high performance programmes through previous role as Performance Manager for the Derbyshire Institute of sport.

Sam Perks
Physical Activity Operations Manager, Mind
Sam Perks photo

Sam Perks is the Physical Activity Operations Manager at Mind. He leads on Mind’s Sport England funded physical activity programmes with a focus on upskilling sport and physical activity providers to support and engage people with mental health problems in physical activity. This involves developing training, resources and other support services as well as working with partners on physical activity and mental health projects and programmes.

Sam Perks photo
James Durcan
Physical Activity Young People's Lead, Mind
James Durcan photo

James Durcan is the Physical Activity Lead (Young People) at Mind. His role is focused on increasing the knowledge and confidence of deliverers to support young people’s mental health in physical activity sessions. James has led Mind’s AoC Sport partnership; and is working with awarding organisations to embed mental health content and supporting resources into FE qualifications.

James Durcan photo
Chris Broadbent
Founder and CEO, Planet Earth Games
Sam Strickson
Partnerships and Projects Officer, AoC Sport
Michelle Gray
Schools Programme Strategy Manager, LTA

College and School Programme Strategy Manager at the Lawn Tennis Association for the previous 5 years. Worked in Sports Development for over 10 years and a secondary school PE teacher prior to that.

Dr Lynsey James
University teacher in anatomy, nutrition and exercise physiology, Loughborough University

Dr Lynsey James is a University Teacher in the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science at Loughborough University. She joined in 2013 and during this time she completed her PhD in Omega 3, Sports Performance and Recovery. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has taught in Higher Education for 15 years. She enjoys enhancing the student experience beyond the classroom by giving students opportunities to put their skills into practice, ultimately making them more employable in the world of sport.

Mark Scott
Learning Designer, 1st4Sport / UK Coaching
Mark Scott photo

Mark Scott works for UK Coaching as a learning designer and loves all things learning and coaching! He is a level 4 football coach and has coached at various levels, including Middlesbrough FC academy, England Colleges FA national team and currently Dunston FC. He also has experience as a FA tutor and mentor. Before joining UK Coaching, he spent 16 years as a teacher of Physical Education and Head of Sport at Queen Elizabeth Sixth-Form College, Darlington. He also has experience as an examiner, moderator and practical advisor in A Level Physical Education for AQA examination board

Mark Scott photo
Sean Noble
Deputy Head of section and Football Academy Lead, Bexhill College
Sean Noble photo

Teacher of Sport and Public Services for 18 years within Bexhill College following completion of University Degree in International Football Management at Buckinghamshire Chiltern’s University. He oversees the College’s Football Academy which consists of 7 teams both male and female with over 100 players which is linked with both Eastbourne Borough Football Club and Chelsea Football Club. UEFA B level coach with over 20 years’ experience of coaching at all levels and currently Eastbourne Borough Academy Manager.

Sean Noble photo
Gemma Baker
Area Director (SE) & Senior Policy Lead, AoC

“Attending the conference is an essential event to network, share good practice and keep abreast of trends and upcoming events in sport, health, well-being and physical education.”

“This was my first AoC Sport Curriculum Conference and I was a little apprehensive as to whether I would gain anything from it - how wrong I was! The breakout sessions were informative and the speakers shared some relevant and current information that I am thrilled to take back to my colleagues. I will be back next year!”

“Attending the sport conference was an enriching experience. The chance to network with colleagues from other colleges was invaluable. I appreciated the diverse perspectives and insights shared by the speakers, which broadened my understanding and inspired fresh ideas. Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within the sports community.”