Yesterday, we hosted the Graduate School of Sport and Professional Practice (GSSPP) Symposium, “From Lab to Field: Connecting the Dots Between Research and Professional Practice in Sports Performance”—and what a day it turned out to be. From packed-out sessions to genuine conversations over coffee, the energy, curiosity, and community spirit in the room surpassed all expectations.
One of the highlights for many of us was the incredible line-up of female speakers. Throughout the day, they brought passion, clarity, and expertise to the stage—sharing knowledge and lived experiences from both research and applied settings. It was a powerful reminder of the value of visibility and representation, and a celebration of the outstanding work women are doing to lead and shape the future of sports performance. Too often this is still being overlooked.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our five MSc Pre-Registration Physiotherapy students- Dhruv Intwala, Leah McConnell, Victor Hashem, Dalvir Mann and Derin Gungor who supported the event from start to finish with professionalism and enthusiasm. From keeping the day running smoothly to capturing key moments on social media, they were consistently praised by speakers and delegates for their initiative and presence. The future of physiotherapy is in very capable hands.
We were thrilled by how many people turned out to support and engage with the day. The Alan Walters Building was alive with conversation, connection, and collaboration—from early morning coffee chats to lively Q&As and shared reflections. It was more than just a programme of talks; it felt like a real community coming together with shared purpose.
A huge thank you to all of our presenters on the day. You really did make the event a worth while experience for all. Another huge thank you to our sponsors—Hytro, MDPI, VALD, Playermaker, and PGA—for backing this event and helping us to bring it to life. Your support made a genuine difference and created space for meaningful dialogue.
We’re also very grateful to Professor Sarah Aldred, Professor Gareth Wallis, and the wider SportEx team for their support and encouragement. Their belief in the importance of creating space for professional practice in sport helped make this symposium possible.
Most of all, we’re excited. Excited about what was shared, who we met, and what might come next. This felt like the start of something—not just an event, but a growing movement to spotlight and strengthen professional practice in sports performance.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. Let’s keep the momentum going.
