Breaking Barriers 2026: Join the Third International Conference on Inclusion in Sport

We are delighted to announce that the Richmond Gender in Sport Research Centre (RGiSRC) will be hosting the third iteration of its international flagship event, the ‘Breaking Barriers‘ conference, on Friday, 12th June 2026.

Building on the success and momentum of our 2024 and 2025 gatherings, this year’s conference takes our commitment to the next level. Once again, we will welcome our delegates to the historic Weetwood Hall Estate in Leeds, the home of RIASA for a one-day event dedicated to ‘Reimagining Inclusion and Innovation in Sport’. This isn’t your standard academic conference. Breaking Barriers 2026 is a vibrant, collaborative space designed for academics, industry professionals, and anyone passionate about creating real change. Together, we’ll explore how Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) can move from being just an aspiration to the very foundation of how sport operates, innovates, and inspires.

Sport is at a defining moment. While the recent rise and visibility of women’s sport has been a transformative step forward, there’s a real risk that this momentum invites complacency, and a sense that the work is “done” when deep‑rooted inequalities still persist. At the same time, UK‑wide governance reforms show that Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) can no longer sit on the sidelines. Kick it Out argue that new regulatory proposals risk “putting EDI on the subs bench,” highlighting the urgent need for stronger accountability, transparent reporting, and genuine commitment to change across football and the wider sport sector.

Leaders like UK Sport and Sport England are pushing for long‑term, system‑wide cultural change, from inclusive leadership to strong Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans that reshape who gets to participate, lead, and thrive in sport. Breaking Barriers brings these conversations to the forefront, uniting researchers, practitioners, and advocates who refuse to let progress stall, and who are working to ensure that the future of sport is not just more successful, but more equitable for all.

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome two incredible voices to lead our conversations. Our keynote speaker is Professor Hanya Pielichaty from the University of Lincoln, a National Teaching Fellow whose recent book, Gender, Sport and Society, is already sparking vital discussions. Following the keynote, we have a special treat: an ‘In Conversation’ session with the truly inspiring record-breaking ocean rower Miriam Payne. Imagine hearing first-hand about the mental grit and resilience needed to spend five and a half months at sea as part of the first women’s team to row the Pacific unsupported.

Just like in previous years, our conference is filled with research presentations, practitioner insights, and interactive workshops, all designed to challenge norms and forge new collaborations. Whether your interest lies in gender dynamics, sustainability in sport, or social responsibility, there’s a place for you at the table. And here’s your chance to get involved! The Call for Papers is open until 1st April 2026. If you have research, a case study, an idea for a workshop that fits the bill, or would just like to join us, we’d love to hear from our Richmond colleagues. It promises to be a day of genuine connection, fresh thinking, and a healthy dose of Yorkshire hospitality (think a three-course lunch and pastries and a conference dinner!).

Ready to break barriers with us? Find all the details on the RGiSRC website: https://sites.google.com/view/rgisrc/richmond-gender-in-sport-research-centre/breaking-barriers-2026 or email the team at [email protected]. We’d love to see you there.

Authors: Drs Lucia Morawska and Samantha Bracey