The Future of PE Conference – A Day of Connection, Movement and Momentum

Last week, alongside the brilliant Ben Holden (@wannateachpe), we co-hosted the Future of PE Conference at Sunderland’s iconic Beacon of Light — a day dedicated to reimagining what Physical Education needs to look like in 2030 and beyond.

Future Action was founded to create better futures for young people by taking action.

With over 1 million children in the UK either accessing or waiting to access mental health services, now more than ever, PE must become part of the solution — a space for young people to move, feel, connect, and grow.

👟 Preparing for 2030: The Future of PE Keynote

We opened with a big question:

What does meaningful, inclusive PE look like in a fast-changing world?

A world where AI is reshaping the job market, particularly entry-level roles. A world where the impact of social media neglect — as adults become more glued to their screens and less emotionally available — is being felt by a generation hungry for connection.

A world where more young people than ever are struggling with anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty about the future.

The answer? A personally relevant PE curriculum that equips young people with hope, resilience and a sense of purpose.

Movement that matters. Trusted relationships. Safe spaces.

And educators who are empowered to lead this shift 💛

💛 North East RISE Up: Trauma-Informed PE & Early Intervention

In the next session, Neil introduced the RISE Up Early Intervention Mental Wellbeing programme and Trauma-Informed PE approach — powerful tools to equip students with self-care wellbeing toolkits and use movement for regulation, belonging and emotional development.

We shared the vision for the North East RISE Up pilot, set to launch next academic year in partnership with multi-agency colleagues committed to improving outcomes for all.

“We’re not just changing PE lessons. We’re changing how young people feel about themselves — and their place in the world.”

🤝 Let’s Build It Together

We explored how schools can co-create sustainable wellbeing strategies that reflect their unique context.

At the heart of this approach is teacher agency — ensuring staff have ownership, flexibility, and the right tools to make real change stick.

This is with, not to. And it’s working.

🤝 Extended Partnerships to Enhance PE and Wellbeing

We also explored how working in partnership with organisations like Activall, Improtech, and Kalma Life can broaden what’s possible for schools.

From active break-time solutions to high-quality extracurricular activities, these partnerships create more opportunities for young people to move, regulate and connect — both in and beyond the school day.

🧘‍♀️ Wellbeing in Action: Kalma Life Yoga

Midday offered a moment to slow down. Huge thanks to Kalma Life for leading a calming yoga session — a restorative reset that reminded us all of the power of movement for adult wellbeing, too.

⚽ Winning Warm-Ups: Energy & Connection

Ben's post-lunch session brought the energy back with Winning Warm-Ups — quick, engaging activities to embed routine, spark connection and help young people feel safe and seen in PE.

🌍 Around the World in Sporty Ways

In a standout session, Ben explored how Kabaddi and NFL can be used to introduce new cultures, challenge assumptions and foster empathy.

In a world that desperately needs greater understanding, PE can be a powerful gateway to connection.

🤖 Smarter Workloads, Deeper Relationships: AI in PE

We took a short dive into the role of AI — from personalised learning to teacher workload solutions. But the key message? Smart tech must serve human connection, not replace it.

📋 Every Teacher Left with an Action Plan

We closed the day with action planning.

Every teacher left with a bespoke, practical plan to enhance their PE and wellbeing provision next academic year — whether that’s embedding trauma-informed strategies, starting staff wellbeing initiatives, or rethinking how they help young people develop self-care toolkits.

Because change doesn’t happen by chance. It happens through committed educators taking thoughtful, purposeful steps.

🙏 Thank You

To all the brilliant delegates who joined us — thank you for your passion, ideas and energy.

“This was a rare day to step back, reimagine and walk away with something real.”

If you’re interested in hosting a Future of PE conference in your region, Ben and I would love to hear from you.

Let’s continue building a future where every young person can move, connect, and thrive — no matter what challenges lie ahead

Do You Want To Take The First Steps To Improving Your Students’ Wellbeing?

✅ [1] Complete your School Wellbeing Scorecard – it takes just 3 minutes to map your current provision and identify key areas to strengthen:👉 Complete the Scorecard here

📝 [2] Join our waiting list – to explore partnerships, training, consultancy, speaking opportunities, or to get your copy of Time to RISE Up:

👉 Join the Waiting List here

Have a brilliant week, and thank you for all you do for your young people.

Neil Moggan and the Future Action team

P.S. 📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter – stay informed with the latest wellbeing insights and practical tools for your setting:👉 Subscribe Here