SGS Students Gain International Insights into Sport, Coaching and Physical Literacy

Students from the FdSc Applied Strength and Conditioning, FdSc Applied Sports Coaching and Physical Education, BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, and BSc (Hons) Applied Strength and Conditioning courses recently travelled to Toulouse, France, to attend the International Physical Literacy Conference, gaining invaluable insights from leading experts in the field.

The conference provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and network with internationally renowned physical literacy scholars, including Liz Durden-Myers, Ken King, and Dr Fiona Chambers. Through keynote presentations, discussions, and workshops, students were able to deepen their understanding of physical literacy and explore how its principles can be applied across sport, coaching, health, and education settings.

Alongside the academic programme, students took part in a series of fun and engaging movement breaks delivered by Criqueon, whose circus-skills-based activities encouraged creativity, teamwork, and movement confidence. These practical sessions perfectly reflected the core principles of physical literacy, providing memorable experiences that were both educational and highly enjoyable.

Reflecting on the experience, students highlighted the significant impact the conference had on both their academic studies and professional development.

"Attending this conference has given me new insights on what physical literacy is about. It has broadened my understanding and knowledge of the subject, which I can take into my next module in November. It has also given me ideas to integrate more beneficial activities and drills into my coaching sessions. The conference also allowed me to socialise and interact with new people, including staff and students from across the college and university that I hadn't spoken to before."

Another student commented:

"I really enjoyed the conference. It showed me different ways of learning and communicating with different networks and practitioners. The social aspects of the trip were excellent, and the food was great too!"

The trip also offered students the chance to experience the culture and history of one of France’s most vibrant cities. During their stay, students visited several of Toulouse’s most popular attractions, including the impressive Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning Romanesque architecture.

Of course, the visit was not all work and no play. One of the highlights of the trip was the inaugural SGS Toulouse 2026 Pool Competition, held at the team hotel. Staff and students paired up to compete for the prestigious and highly sought-after Sugar Pourer Trophy. After a fiercely contested tournament, congratulations went to Leo Powell and Ruby Greenwood, who emerged victorious and proudly lifted the coveted prize.

Overall, the trip was a tremendous success, combining academic enrichment, cultural exploration, and opportunities for students and staff to strengthen relationships outside the classroom. Students have returned with fresh ideas, new professional connections, and enhanced knowledge that will directly support their studies on the Physical Literacy module, while also informing several undergraduate dissertation and research projects.

Experiences such as these continue to demonstrate the value of international learning opportunities, helping SGS students develop both professionally and personally as they prepare for future careers in sport, coaching, health, rehabilitation, and education.