CWG 2022: TASS trio of events takeover

A top team of international speakers will spearhead three days of discussion and debate around athlete talent and personal development as TASS takes over Birmingham next month.

Ground-breaking research and a focus on essential best practice takes centre stage against the backdrop of this summer’s Commonwealth Games. 

And there’s still time to sign up and get involved as TASS welcomes the sports community to the University of Birmingham from August 2-4.                                                                                                                                               

The action kicks off on August 2 as the star-studded TASS Research Symposium delivers a day-long insight into athlete wellbeing, personal development and more. 

Next up is the 2022 TASS Best Practice Conference as an elite roster reveals a series of game-changing approaches to sport. 

And the annual TASS Practitioner Conference wraps up the three-day takeover as five hand-picked speakers offer their own take on talent development. 

“The TASS Practitioner Conference is the showpiece of our CPD programme and it’s a special opportunity to bring our network together,” said Dr Ralph Appleby, TASS National Lead for Practitioner Development. 

“There are three cornerstones that provide the foundation for this conference: inspiring cognitive dissonance; creating a safe space to challenge; and providing the practitioners with something actionable to take away. 

“This year the focus will be on ‘talent development through different lenses’. Across five keynote sessions our invited speakers will unpick their own, unique approach to developing talent. 

“The conference links to the changing face of TASS as outlined earlier this year. And it underpins our new, long-term vision for developing athletes.” 

Speakers include: Neil McCarthy (Head of Player Development, Premiership Rugby) and Donald Barrell (Head of Performance Pathways and Programmes, England Rugby), Adam Mattiussi (Strength and Conditioning Coach working with The Royal Ballet), Peter Olusoga (Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Sheffield Hallam University) and Edd Vahid (Assistant Academy Director, Southampton Football Club). The final speaker to be announced is Gill Myburgh, Head of Performance at Fulham Football Club. 

And for the first time at the TASS Practitioner Conference, the work of true sporting innovators will be recognised through the TASS Practitioner Awards. 

The following categories will turn the spotlight onto those individuals making a key contribution to athlete development and welfare: 

  • Practitioners’ Practitioner of the Year (nominated by practitioners and TDS leads) 
  • Athletes’ Practitioner of the Year (nominated by TASS athletes) 
  • Beyond the Practitioner (recognising a practitioner who has made a significant contribution outside of work). 

Ralph added: “It’s important to recognise and celebrate the ongoing contribution of practitioners who continue to change the face of sport and athlete support. 

“These awards shine a light on the crucial role practitioners continue to play in nurturing, developing and inspiring the next generation of elite athletes.” 

Central to this summer’s eye-catching TASS Commonwealth Games takeover is the opportunity to examine and analyse the latest research and best practice related to athlete wellbeing and development. 

Key contributions include presentations from New Zealand Rugby, The Welsh Rugby Union, The EIS, Dancers Career Development, Nottingham Forest and The Professional Cricket Association. 

In addition, the TASS community will hear from Cyprus Sports Organisation, The Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence, Everton Football Club, the Norwegian University of Science & Technology, various UK universities and more. 

“We are welcoming a wide range of speakers from around the world for what promises to be the definitive debate around athlete careers and personal development,” said Dr Emma Vickers, TASS National Lead for Research. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the wider TASS community to benefit from two days of free CPD in the company of some seriously engaging experts in their field. 

“Key discussion points this year include: athlete wellbeing; diversity and inclusion in the talent space; an athlete’s personal development and transition; and elite sport culture. 

“This is a chance to learn from like-minded colleagues and, at the same time, experience the buzz around a major international event in Birmingham.” 

To find out more and to sign up for these events, please visit: 

Day 1: Research Symposium - https://tassresearchsymposium.eventbrite.co.uk 

Day 2: Best Practice Event - https://tassbestpracticeconference.eventbrite.co.uk 

Day 3: TASS Practitioner Conference https://tasspractitionerconference.eventbrite.co.uk