Rugby Community Coaching Conference

Join us at Birmingham Newman University for a practical rugby coaching event designed to support coaches working across primary, age-group and community rugby. Supported by North Midlands RFU, this conference will explore how evidence-informed coaching practice can increase physical activity and improve the quality of rugby sessions for young participants.

Event Details

📆 Date: Sunday 19 July 2026
🕐 Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
📍 Location: Birmingham Newman University,
Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 3NT

Hosted by Dr Alex Powell, the event will introduce key coaching principles drawn from research conducted by Birmingham Newman staff, including Dr Emma Powell’s SHARP intervention, and consider how these ideas can be implemented within community rugby environments.

The day will also feature input from Dr Mark Holland on developing psychology in youth sport participants, alongside a session with Russell Earnshaw, internationally recognised coach educator, former England Rugby elite-system coach, international sevens player and professional rugby player.

Following the SHARP delivery, coaches will take part in practical on-field sessions showcasing good practice and providing applied ideas for use in community coaching.
This event is open to rugby coaches across the North Midlands, as well as Birmingham Newman University students and applicants interested in coaching, sport development, physical education and youth sport.