The Irish Strength & Conditioning Conference 2025 brought together leading figures in performance coaching, sports science, and athlete development for two days of high-level learning, collaboration, and networking at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast.
Hosted by the Irish Strength & Conditioning Network in partnership with Ireland Active and REPs Ireland, the event attracted hundreds of practitioners, coaches, and sports professionals from across Ireland and beyond.
The speaker line-up included some of the biggest names in the field. Among them were Mike Boyle (Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning), Nick Winkelman (IRFU), Prof. Paul Comfort (University of Salford), Stu McMillan (Altis), Dr. Denise Martin (ATU), Paudie Roache (formerly Arsenal Women’s FC), David Grey (David Grey Rehab), and Dr. Jason McGahan (Kerry GAA).
Topics covered everything from athlete programming, coaching communication, and rehabilitation to women’s sport and the use of digital technology in performance environments.
David Nolan, Co-Director of the Irish S&C Network, said the event’s growth since its 2022 launch reflects the appetite within the community.
“The conference has become one of the few opportunities for the Irish S&C community to come together in a collaborative environment and learn from the best in the field.”
“Partnering with Ireland Active and REPs Ireland has allowed us to continue our growth and create the most valuable and enjoyable conference of its kind in Ireland.”
Alan Malone, Registrar of REPs Ireland, highlighted the benefit for emerging professionals, while Karl Dunne, CEO of Ireland Active, emphasised the role of collaboration in raising standards across health, fitness, and performance.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to raising standards in health, fitness, and performance,” said Dunne.
“The conference is an excellent example of how collaboration across our sector can lead to high-quality learning opportunities that truly benefit professionals and, ultimately, the people they serve.”
“Working with the Irish S&C Network and REPs Ireland allows us to connect our members to the very best in global expertise, while also supporting the development of homegrown talent. We believe this kind of collaboration is essential to strengthening the future of our industry.”
Programme Highlights
Day 1 featured Mike Boyle’s keynote on Updates in Athlete Programming, Nick Winkelman on The Language of Coaching, Prof. Paul Comfort on Weightlifting Derivatives for Sports Performance, and Dr. Jason McGahan on The Role of Sport Technology in Developing Athletic Development.
Day 2 included Dr. Denise Martin’s S&C 2.0: The Digital Practitioner, Paudie Roache on women’s sport, and a closing session from Stu McMillan on speed development and long-term athletic planning.
Sport for Business Events
Find out More about Our Sport for Business Events Programme Here
The Latest Sport for Business Podcasts
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Check out more of our Sport for Business coverage of Fitness
SPORT FOR BUSINESS AUTUMN EVENTS
On Wednesday, September 10th we will host a special event looking at Future Proofing Irish Sport including the use of AI in sport. Then on September 25th we will host our Annual Children in Sport Conference, on October 14th, our Annual Sport for Social Good Event, in November a new event focused on Sustainability in Sport and in December our 12th Annual Women in Sport Conference, in partnership with Lidl.
Find out More about Our Sport for Business Events Programme Here
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Ireland Active, as well as all the leading sporting and business organisations in and around the world of sport are among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community.
This includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
