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PADSIS UAE Conference

Thursday, 18 September 2025 at Dubai College

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

Dates & Venues

    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.

    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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        Managing Staff in School Sport

        Face to Face Event

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