Highlands and Islands Coaching Conference 2026

As we continue to strengthen sporting environments across the Highlands & Islands, this conference will offer opportunities for focused learning, informed discussion, and the sharing of best practice. The programme is designed to support and enhance sport‑specific planning for coaches, practitioners, and organisations operating across a range of community, development, and pathway settings throughout the Highlands & Islands.

The draft programme currently includes the following elements:

Saturday 9 May

10:30 – 11:00 · Registration, tea & coffee, networking
11:00 – 11:15 · Welcome & conference opening
11:15 – 12:00 · Keynote: Sport Nutrition – Dr Nidia Rodriguez Sanchez (University of Stirling)
12:00 – 13:15 · Workshops (choose one)
Developing keynote themes in greater depth:
· Sport Nutrition (REDS): Dr Nidia Rodriguez Sanchez
· S&C – Plyometric, Agility & Speed: Ally Velzian
13:15 – 14:15 · Lunch & networking
14:15 – 15:00 · Keynote: Physical Preparation for Sports Coaches – Adam Crook (sportscotland Institute of Sport)
15:00 – 16:15 · Workshops (choose one)
Developing keynote themes in greater depth:
· Physical Preparation for Coaches: Adam Crook
· Sport Nutrition: Andy Kyle (Highland Rugby Club)
16:15 – 16:30 · Break
16:30 – 17:15 · Parallel sessions
· Performance Pathway Programmes: Gordon Mowat (UHI Perth)
· Performance Analysis: Max Campbell (Ross County FC)
17:15 – 17:30 · Day 1 wrap-up

Sunday 10 May

09:00 – 09:30 · Conference opens, tea & coffee, industry showcase
09:30 – 10:15 · Keynote: Female Athlete Health & Performance – Emily Divine (UWS)
10:15 – 11:30 · Workshops (choose one)
Developing keynote themes in greater depth:
· Female Athlete Health: Emily Divine
· VALD Technology for Human Performance: VALD Representative
11:30 – 11:45 · Break
11:45 – 12:45 · Presentation: Telling the Coach & Athlete Story – Scott Simon & Ali Jawad
12:45 – 13:00 · Feedback & close of conference

High Life Membership Discount

As a High Life Member you can receive 10% discount on the face value of tickets for this event. To claim your discount, select "Use promo, credit or voucher code" at checkout and enter the code HLHMEMBER and under "Event and attendee details" please enter your High Life Membership number.