Greenhouse Sports will be hosting its inaugural Schools Conference on Thursday 2 July 2026 at The Greenhouse Centre in Marylebone, London.
The event will bring together educators, researchers and practitioners from across the education sector, focused on the role of Positive Youth Development in supporting young people’s wellbeing, confidence and longer-term development.
Taking place at The Greenhouse Centre in Marylebone, London, the free conference will provide school leaders, teachers and support staff with current research and practical strategies for embedding Positive Youth Development approaches within school settings.
Positive Youth Development, often known as PYD, is a strengths-based approach that focuses on helping young people build the skills, relationships and confidence they need to thrive.
The conference will open with insights from leading academics and experts in youth development. Professor Camilla Knight, Director of Impact, Innovation and Engagement at Greenhouse Sports, will introduce Positive Youth Development and explain why it sits at the heart of the charity’s work.
Dr Kurtis Pankow of Swansea University will explore the growing evidence linking PYD approaches to improvements in wellbeing and mental health outcomes, while Dr Fieke Rongen of Nottingham Trent University will examine the impact of PYD on young people’s psychological and social development.
Research findings will then be translated into practical application through sessions led by Jason Sugrue, Director of Coaching at Greenhouse Sports, alongside Greenhouse coach mentors. Attendees will see first-hand how PYD principles are implemented in schools and sport settings, with opportunities to participate in practical activities and reflect on how the approach can be applied across their own organisations.
The event is designed for headteachers, PE leads, pastoral staff, safeguarding professionals and other education practitioners interested in creating environments that support young people’s wellbeing and development.
Professor Camilla Knight, Director of Impact, Innovation and Engagement at Greenhouse Sports, said: “Positive Youth Development provides a powerful framework for helping young people flourish. By bringing together research, practice and lived experience, this conference will give schools practical tools and insights they can use to support the young people in their communities.”
The conference will also provide networking opportunities for school leaders and practitioners to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore how PYD approaches can be embedded beyond PE and sport.
Event details
Greenhouse Sports Schools Conference: Positive Youth Development through Sport
Date: Thursday 2 July 2026
Time: 8.30am to 3.30pm
Venue: The Greenhouse Centre, Marylebone, London
Cost: Free to attend
Places can be booked via Eventbrite, with a deadline of 29th June.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greenhouse-sports-schools-conference-tickets-1985524378866
