Tackling one of the sector’s biggest challenges: Getting young people moving again
With declining physical activity levels among children and rising concerns around youth mental health, engagement and wellbeing, the role of sport and physical activity in education has never been more important – or more urgent.
Against this backdrop, the National Sports Convention (NSC) has partnered with Active Education Australia to deliver a leading Sport and Education Stream at NSC26 (Melbourne, 1–2 July), bringing together global expertise and practical Australian examples to help reshape how schools, sport and communities work together.
Recent national data continues to highlight the challenge, with fewer than one in four Australian children meeting recommended daily physical activity guidelines. At the same time, educators are increasingly recognising the link between movement, engagement, learning outcomes and student wellbeing.
The NSC program responds directly to this, focusing not just on why sport matters in education, but how to embed it meaningfully into school environments.
Opening the stream, international expert Professor Ajmol Ali (Massey University, New Zealand) will share insights from large-scale research delivered in partnership with Sport New Zealand, demonstrating how structured physical activity programs can influence both wellbeing and academic outcomes. These global learnings will be grounded locally through perspectives from Dr Adrian Camm (Principal, Westbourne Grammar School) and Gillian Manson (CEO, Active Education Australia), exploring how active school models can be practically implemented.
Across the program, the emphasis is on real-world application – from activating school communities and improving student engagement, to unlocking the potential of school facilities as community assets and exploring new funding and delivery models.
Delegates will hear from leading organisations including Softball Australia, the Australian Sports Commission, Melbourne City Football Club and SANFL, alongside schools from Victoria and New South Wales, sharing programs, insights and opportunities for collaboration.
International perspectives are further strengthened by Christine Bland (Strategic Lead, Active Children and Young People, Greater Manchester Moving, UK), who will explore how opening school facilities for community use can drive participation and social outcomes. This is complemented by insights from Pitch Up, demonstrating how schools can generate new revenue streams through better utilisation of their facilities.
Additional expert contributions from Kym Rizzo Liu (Western Sydney Local Health District), Laura Thompson (Founder/CEO, ahei NZ), Ash Madgwick (Australian Sports Commission) and Dr Josh Symes (Deakin University) will focus on practical strategies to support and increase student physical activity across diverse settings.
From whole-of-school approaches and community partnerships to innovative programming and facility utilisation, the stream brings together a comprehensive view of how education and sport systems can better align to deliver meaningful outcomes.
Martin Sheppard, CEO of NSC, said the partnership reflects a growing recognition that schools are central to the future of participation.
“If we are serious about increasing participation and improving long-term health outcomes, schools are where it starts. This partnership with Active Education Australia brings together global thinking and practical delivery to help create environments where young people can thrive through movement.”
This stream forms part of the broader NSC26 theme, ‘The Next Generation’, reinforcing the critical role that education systems play in shaping healthier, more active and more connected communities for the future.
Editor’s Notes
The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) has grown since 2016 as Australia/New Zealand’s largest and most prominent community sport and recreation convention and expo. This year the NSC returns to Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on 1 – 2 July 2026. The organisers working, with its 50+ collaborators, to curate a program with international and Australian experts, providing the most comprehensive program on community sport recreation and sports facilities in Australia. The event also features the largest sports and recreation Expo with 80+ Exhibitors and 7 Activation Areas for the ultimate industry playground for industry professionals.
Photos from the NSC can be found at www.nationalsportsconvention.com.au
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Further information contact Anthony Reed, at anthonyr@smartconnection.net.au or (03) 9421 0133.