SPARC 2025 - Inclusivity in Sport, Physical Activity, and Exercise

Are you someone who works in the field of sport, exercise and physical activity? The Department of Sport and Nutrition at University College Birmingham (UCB) will be holding our annual Sports Performance and Rehabilitation Conference (SPARC 2025) on Wednesday 17th December 2025 at our city-centre campus at the heart of Birmingham.

This conference is for:

• Academics and researchers in fields related to sport and exercise, strength and conditioning, sports science, sports therapy, sociology of sport, and sports management.
• Postgraduate and Undergraduate students studying these topics
• Professionals working in any aspect of sport looking to improve their practice or take part in CPD
• Teachers, FE staff, and those looking to keep up-to-date with trends in the field of inclusivity in sport
  

This year's theme will be Inclusivity in Sport, Physical Activity, and Exercise. The Conference aims to bring together academics, practitioners, and professionals to discuss issues of diversity and inclusion in sport, physical activity, and exercise fields.

This one-day event will feature leading voices in the field of sport including:

• Dr. Ali Bowes - Associate Professor in Sociology of Sport, Nottingham Trent University) focussing on women's sport
• Dr. Blair Hamilton - Research Associate in Applied Sports and Exercise Physiology, Manchester Metropolitan University) focussing on understanding transgender sport science
• Chris Bright - CEO & Founder of The Diabetes Football Community - foscussing on the latest policy and his journey as a diabetic footballer
• Other talks at the conference will explore key issues such as ethnicity and representation, disability sport, and inclusive practice for special populations.
  

Through keynote presentations and networking opportunities, the conference provides a platform to share research, practical insights, and lived experiences, equipping attendees with knowledge and strategies to improve inclusive practice in their own professional settings.

You can follow the latest updates from the school on Twitter using the handle: @UCBsportcourses

We can't wait to see you there!