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PADSIS UAE Conference

Thursday, 18 September 2025 at Dubai College

PAASIS UAE Conference – Thursday, 18 September 2025 at Dubai College

Book online

In association with

Welcome to the inaugural Conference of PADSIS UAE. This is a specialist event for the leaders of sport in Gulf schools. Its purpose is to enable Directors of Sport and Heads of PE to stay abreast of current developments and initiatives within the shifting landscape of school sport.

Much is changing. Schools have to manage competing demand for competitive success and wider engagement. This is impacting upon the role of the heads of sports – whatever their job title - whose priorities have shifted to leadership, culture building and quality control. This demands new approaches and a changed skill set. The Conference will address the environment of contemporary school sport, and consider the issues currently facing its leaders. The aim is to develop both the programmes and the people responsible for them. 

Meeting the requirements and aspirations of different pupils and parents demands a wide understanding of sector challenges, and a clear vision of what is best for each individual school. Leading a diverse range of staff from different backgrounds requires inspiring leadership and efficient management. The Conference content seeks to address both of these. 

There will also be an opportunity to network with like-minded professionals within the convivial environment of Dubai College.

Programme

8.00am

Conference assembles
Refreshments

8.30am

Preparing for the Future of School Sport
Neil Rollings, PADSIS

9.00am

The Director of Sport as a School Leader: Developing self-awareness to enhance impact
David Faulkner OLY

9.45am

Refreshment break

10.00am

Working with Parents in School Sport
Sarah Murray, WWPIS

10.30am

Making the Most of SOCS in UAE Schools
James Kershaw-Naylor, SOCS

11.00am

Discussion Forum: Issues in UAE Sport

11.45am

Lunch

12.30pm

Seminar Session One

Delegates select one of the following sessions:
either Building a High Achievement Sports Culture
David Faulkner
or Performance Wellbeing for Staff: Busting myths
Sarah Murray
or SOCS for Experienced Users
James Kershaw Naylor

1.30pm

Seminar Session One

Delegates select one of the following sessions:
either Managing Parents of Aspirational Athletes
Sarah Murray
or Managing your Head and Sports Staff:
Being a 360 Degree Leader
Neil Rollings
or Resolving SOCS Queries and Issues
James Kershaw Naylor

2.20pm

“In it to win it” Draw
Ed Mosley, DASSA

2.30pm

Conference disperses

Price

1 PLACE AED 900
2 PLACES AED 1600

Prices include catering and resources. In the event of you needing to cancel a place, please note we require 14 days' notice. Any cancellation received after the above notice period with be charged in full.

Book online

Speakers

Neil Rollings

Neil was Director of Sport in four independent schools, over a 21-year career, and an Independent Schools Inspector. He is leader of the RFU Schools' Project, contributor to the Government Task Force on the Future of PE and member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood. He was Chairman of the Professional Association of Directors of Sport in Independent Schools for 15 years, and is Course Director of the University of Buckingham MA programme in Leading School Sport.

David Faulkner MBE OLY

David is an ex Olympic Gold medallist GB hockey player and was Head of Performance – Women’s Professional Game and Para at The Football Association. Previously he was Director of Sport at Millfield School between 2012–17, and prior to this Performance Director at England Hockey from 2005 to 2012. David was awarded an MBE for services to Sport in June 2021 and currently a non-executive Director of Hampshire Cricket. He now specialises in people and team development across business, education and sport covering leadership, cultural development, behaviour and high performing teams.

Sarah Murray

Sarah is a high performance coach and experienced performance psychologist. Sarah works with teams, individuals and leaders to enhance self-develop and understanding those they lead. Sarah has over 14 years’ experience working with individuals in elite sport , business and education. She has worked with a range of national sporting teams and organisations including 9 years working with Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club.

James Kershaw-Naylor

James is the Sales Director of SOCS. This provides software for managing all aspects of school sport, including logistics and parental communications. He will demonstrate how users can get more from the system . and use it to better address parental requirements.

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