SGS College Students Gain International Insights at Toulouse Conference

Students from various sports courses attended the International Physical Literacy Conference, engaging with experts and experiencing French culture.

Generic image of young adults participating in a dynamic movement activity indoors.
AI

Generic image of young adults participating in a dynamic movement activity indoors.

Students from South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS College) recently travelled to Toulouse, France, to attend the International Physical Literacy Conference, gaining valuable insights from leading experts and experiencing the city's culture.

Students pursuing degrees in FdSc Applied Strength and Conditioning, FdSc Applied Sports Coaching and Physical Education, BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, and BSc (Hons) Applied Strength and Conditioning courses participated in the conference. The event provided a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and network with internationally renowned physical literacy scholars.
Keynote presentations, discussions, and workshops allowed students to deepen their understanding of physical literacy and explore its application across sport, coaching, health, and education. The conference also featured movement breaks led by Criqueon, whose circus-skills-based activities promoted creativity, teamwork, and movement confidence, reflecting the core principles of physical literacy.
“

"Attending this conference has given me new insights on what physical literacy is about. It has broadened my understanding and knowledge of the subject, which I can take into my next module in November. It has also given me ideas to integrate more beneficial activities and drills into my coaching sessions. The conference also allowed me to socialise and interact with new people, including staff and students from across the college and university that I hadn't spoken to before."

A student
“

"I really enjoyed the conference. It showed me different ways of learning and communicating with different networks and practitioners. The social aspects of the trip were excellent, and the food was great too!"

Another student
Beyond the academic programme, students explored Toulouse, visiting attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. A highlight of the trip was the inaugural SGS Toulouse 2026 Pool Competition, where Leo Powell and Ruby Greenwood emerged victorious, lifting the Sugar Pourer Trophy.
The international learning opportunity was deemed a tremendous success, combining academic enrichment, cultural exploration, and relationship building. Students returned with enhanced knowledge and new professional connections, which will support their studies and future careers in sport, coaching, health, rehabilitation, and education.
Based on information from the official source: South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (19/10/2026)