Sport Coaching Students Inspired at Inaugural “Pass the Baton” Conference

Students from the Sport Coaching department at City of Glasgow College gained invaluable insight into the sports industry yesterday as the department hosted its first ever Sports Development Conference, “Pass the Baton”.

The event welcomed students from Level 6 through to Level 8, bringing together learners from NQ, HNC and HND Sport Coaching and Development programmes for a full day of industry-led learning and inspiration.

The morning session featured a strong line up of influential speakers who shared their expertise, career journeys and leadership experiences within sport. Students heard from Jacqueline Lynn, Head of Schools and Community Sport at SportScotland, Maureen McGonigle, Head of Scottish Women in Sport, and Carolann Gay, Education Executive at Glasgow Rangers FC, each offering valuable insight into the strategic and inclusive approaches shaping modern sport.

The afternoon session continued with further high profile contributors from across the national sporting landscape. Jennifer Giffin, CGA Service Manager for the Glasgow 2025 Commonwealth Games, Kate McCheyne, Head of Communications at SportScotland, Barry Fleeting, Head of Centre at the National Sports Centre Inverclyde, and Paul McNeill MBE, Head of Community Football for the Scottish Football Association, shared their experiences of working at the highest levels of sport and community development.

Across both sessions, speakers provided students with real world perspectives on sports coaching and development, leadership, inclusion, communications and community engagement, offering practical advice on career pathways and highlighting the evolving demands of the sports industry.

Bridget Mathieson-McLaughlan, who helped organise the event, highlighted the significance of the conference for both students and staff:

“Team City hosted its first ever Sports Development conference, Pass the Baton, marking an important milestone for the faculty. Designed specifically for NQ, HNC and HND Sports Coaching and Development students, the event went beyond the classroom by bringing together leading industry professionals to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

The conference was a resounding success, inspiring students and offering valuable insight as they prepare for careers in the sports industry.”

The conference reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to enhancing student employability, strengthening industry links, and ensuring learners are well prepared for careers in sport coaching and development.