Sports Chaplaincy England Conference 2026

Took place at: The Oval and Headingley Stadium in October. Please look out for the dates for our 2027 Conference.

Our 2026 Conference theme was -The Final Whistle…but it’s not all over!

It has been helpfully said that sports players have two lives: the life playing their sport, and then the second life when their playing days are over. For an elite player, the second life can start in their thirties and be a huge adjustment, with issues of identity, routine, purpose, something to look forward to, etc. For the non-elite, the second life may not start until much later years, but similar issues may be there too.  

Sporting organisations are increasingly aware of the difficulties that sports players can face when their playing days are over. At a sports club, large or small, famous or not, the chaplain is that rare person amidst all those working at their club: someone who is concerned not just about what happens on the pitch, in the game, or in the match, but someone who is also concerned for the whole person and for the whole life of that person.

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10)

Our conference helped with how, as chaplains, we can engage with a sports player’s life off the pitch when they are not playing, and also how we can help and prepare people for their second life when they are not playing. In all cases, the chaplain’s interest and concern is with both lives.

It was an opportunity to hear speakers on this issue as well as time for chaplains to share wisdom, tips and good practice on how we can support individuals in living these lives. Being a sports chaplain is a special calling, and our conference will equip and help us in that role.