SPORT & SCHOOLS
- 1-2 July 2026
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Sport & Schools
In Partnership with the SESF and Active Education Australia
Sport and active play are fundamental to the development of The Next Generation of participants. As schools and higher education institutions face rising wellbeing challenges, disengagement and competing priorities, the role of movement in learning environments has never been more important.
In partnership with SESF and Active Education Australia, the Sport & Education stream explores how schools, universities, sport organisations and government can work together to strengthen participation, improve wellbeing and build lifelong active habits. From physical literacy and whole-of-school culture to community access and policy innovation, this stream examines how education settings can become powerful drivers of participation and social cohesion.
The Next Generation of Educational Participation – Keynote Session
How can schools, sport, community organisations, universities and government connect in ways that genuinely activate children and young people?
This keynote explores collaborative models that align education and sport systems to increase participation, strengthen pathways and build healthier, more cohesive communities. The session will examine both international and Australian examples of integrated approaches that embed physical activity into learning environments and position schools as central hubs for lifelong participation.
- Ajmol Ali, Professor of Exercise Science, Massey University Healthy Active Learning – New Zealand Insights
- Dr Adrian Camm, Principal, Westbourne Grammar School - Developing a Future-Focused Environment for the Next Generation of Active Children and Their Teachers
The Next Generation Panel 7
How Can Physical Literacy Support Change in Sport and Education Within Schools?
Physical literacy is increasingly recognised as a foundation for lifelong movement and participation. This panel explores how embedding physical literacy principles into school and sport systems can reshape curriculum design, teacher capability and student engagement — ultimately influencing both participation outcomes and educational success.
- Clare Walker, General Manager Game Development, Softball Australia
Workshop 7.1: Sport Supporting Social and Academic Cohesion
Sport has the power to strengthen social connection while supporting positive academic outcomes.
This workshop explores how well-designed sport programs can improve engagement, inclusion and wellbeing across school and community settings. Through practical case studies and evidence-based insights, participants will examine how sport can enhance learning environments, support behavioural outcomes and build stronger, more connected school communities.
- Sunil Menon, Head of Community, Melbourne City Football Club
Workshop 7.2: Embedding Movement in Whole-School Culture
More active schools are embedding movement across the entire school day — integrating physical activity into learning, culture and environment rather than isolating it to PE classes.
This session shares impact stories, video case studies and outcomes from Australian schools demonstrating how whole-of-school culture change increases participation, improves wellbeing and strengthens student engagement. Participants will gain practical strategies to implement sustainable movement-focused initiatives within their own education settings.
- Ella Creagh, Active Recreation Consultant, Sport New Zealand
- Michelle Harris, Program Manager, Participation and Workforce, Sport and Recreation Victoria
PolicyFEST 7: Unlocking Schools’ Potential to Impact Participation
What innovative programs are available to encourage children to move more — both inside and outside the curriculum?
This session explores scalable initiatives that activate students through creative programming, prevention education and community partnerships. Presenters will examine how schools can act as powerful participation gateways, supporting both health outcomes and stronger sport pathways.
- Laura Thompson, Founder & CEO, ahei
- Kym Rizzo Liu, Project Manager, Prevention Education and Research Unit, Western Sydney Local Health District
- Michael MacDougall, Founder, PitchUP
Workshop 7.4: Opening Schools for Community Use
School facilities represent significant community infrastructure — but unlocking their potential requires navigating viability, risk and governance considerations.
This workshop explores the benefits and challenges of opening school sporting facilities for broader community use. Participants will examine partnership models, risk management strategies and policy considerations that enable shared-use agreements while protecting school priorities.
- Belinda Marsh, Head of Infrastructure & Government Relations, SANFL Chaired by Jodie Spedding
This stream is essential for school leaders, educators, sport development managers, policymakers, higher education providers and community organisations committed to embedding movement into education systems and strengthening lifelong participation pathways.
