Coaching for a
Greater Purpose
15-17 January 2027
Hosted by: The American School in London, UK
WHAT WE DO IS BIGGER THAN TEACHING THE X'S AND O'S OF OUR PARTICULAR SPORT, WE TEACH THE Y'S OF LIFE THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF ATHLETIC COMPETITION.
Elevating the Game
The conference will feature speakers from the world of sports such as the keynotes, Olympian Marcus Watson, and Chris Thurston a Performance Wellbeing and Safeguarding consultant. In addition, we will be searching for coaches interested in presenting on a wide variety of topics. More details on the conference to come.
Keynote Speaker
Marcus Watson
With a professional career spanning 16 years at the highest levels of international sport, Marcus Watson embodies the driving philosophy of this conference: what we do is infinitely bigger than teaching the X's and O's. Having competed on the world’s biggest stages, he understands firsthand how the medium of athletic competition forges the "Y's" of life - character, resilience, teamwork, and purpose. While his playing days at the elite level have concluded, his dedication to the game's transformative power has not. Today, he is actively in the trenches teaching these very same "Y's" to young athletes, remaining deeply involved on the front lines as a coach.
Keynote Speaker
Chris Thurston
Throughout a career spanning elite sport and progressive education, Chris has developed a core belief that trusted relationships are the absolute key to helping individuals thrive. This philosophy drives a relentless commitment to creating high-performance cultures where people succeed not just as athletes on the pitch, but as resilient, well-rounded individuals in life. Translating this vision into action, Chris works actively today as a leading consultant, helping diverse organizations design and embed person-centred care and performance-focused development. This vital work bridges the gap between athletic competition and holistic education, driving the highest standards across a variety of demanding settings.
About
Who is behind this conference?
The Coaching for a Greater Purpose (CPG) Alliance
The alliance is a group of five schools who have agreed to support the creation of a recurring coaches conference aimed at international school coaches. The following five schools have made a commitment to support the conference and act as hosts in a rotation schedule:
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International School of Brussels
International School of Düsseldorf
Copenhagen International School
American School London
Frankfurt International School
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By bringing coaches from across Europe together the alliance aims to help raise the level of coaching and to provide coaches with an opportunity to forge relationships “across enemy lines”.
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The concept of “greater purpose” is a way to put to words the desire to create opportunities for coaches to learn about how they can make an impact on their players, teams, communities, and the world beyond. Sports can be a powerful tool for leveraging change and having a positive impact on young people so it seemed very clear from the start that this should be the focus of this conference.
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The hope is that the CGP Conference will rotate from one school in the alliance to another every eighteen months. By rotating hosts the hope is that the conference has a fresh perspective and a geographical shift that provides some equity in terms of costs and travel requirements.
CGP Schedule Overview
This schedule overview will continue to be updated as the event approaches. If you are interested in presenting please get in touch with our organizing team.​
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Friday 15 January
17:30 Registration Opens
School Auditorium
The CGP staff will be waiting to welcome you with all the information you will need. Feel free to hang out, network with other coaches and take advantage of a few refreshments before the festivities begin.
18:30 The Opening Address
School Auditorium
The conference will kick off with a welcome message by the Athletic Director at the American School in London.
19:00 The Opening Conversation ​
Kick off the CGP Conference with an opening address featuring former professional rugby international and Olympic silver medallist, Marcus Watson. We will hear how Marcus's path to the Olympics has shared challenges coaches face day to day, exploring what works and what doesn't in our respective programs. Moving beyond a standard lecture, this opening session offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with Marcus in a collaborative Q&A format, facilitated by ASL coaches and the conference planning committee.
20:00 Social
It wouldn't be a true London experience without a chance to socialize! Our Friday night social is a fantastic opportunity to network with other participants. Join us for the Friday night social to connect with fellow participants and enjoy some great face-to-face conversations.
Saturday 16 January
Active Start
Various locations around campus
Both days of the conference will have an active start where all participants will have the opportunity to start the day by getting the body moving in one way or another. The final registration form will feature the specific activities for each day, but the options will include:​
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Guided run
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Swim session
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Yoga
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Pick-up basketball
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Pick-up volleyball
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Pickleball
Chris Thurston Keynote Address
School Auditorium
Join us in the School Auditorium as our keynote speaker, Chris, shares his dynamic journey from youth academy soccer athlete to physical educator and, ultimately, a leading consultant. Today, Chris is at the forefront of helping diverse organizations design and embed person-centred care and performance-focused development.
His powerful story perfectly anchors our conference theme, serving as a compelling reminder of the profound, lasting impact we can make when we commit to coaching for a greater purpose.
Coffee/Tea/Snack Break
Workshop Session One
School Cafeteria
Various Locations on campus
Different sessions will be available for participants to choose from:
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Workshops on topics related to the conference theme.
Lunch
School Cafeteria
Lunch will be provided for all participants
Workshop Session Two
Various Locations on campus
Different sessions will be available for participants to choose from:
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Workshops on topics related to the conference theme.
Workshop Session Three
Various Locations on campus
Different sessions will be available for participants to choose from:
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Workshops on topics related to the conference theme.
Match Debrief
There is no official end time today, so please feel free to take the afternoon at your own pace! This is a great opportunity to continue the conversation, share insights, and reconnect with your peers. Whether you decide to head out for some sightseeing, relax back at your hotel, or simply hang out at ASL while coordinating your evening plans, the rest of the day is yours.
Sunday 17 January
08:45 Active Start
Various locations around campus
Both days of the conference will have an active start where all participants will have the opportunity to start the day by getting the body moving in one way or another. The final registration form will feature the specific activities for each day, but the options will include:
-
Guided run
-
Swim session
-
Yoga
-
Pick-up basketball
-
Pick-up volleyball
-
Pickleball
Workshop Session Four
Various locations around campus
Different sessions will be available for participants to choose from:
-
Workshops on topics related to the conference theme.
Coffee/Tea/Snack Break
Workshop Session Five
School Cafeteria
Various locations around campus
Different sessions will be available for participants to choose from:
-
Workshops on topics related to the conference theme.
12:45 Closing Conversation
And finally we will be looking to wrap things up for the CGP Conference by welcoming a set of panelists to the stage. The conversation will focus on what we have learned during this event and what we would like to accomplish before the next CGP.
13:30 CGP Conference Comes to a Close
Registration & Pricing
Early Bird (August to September): £250 Full Access / £150 Daily
Groups of 5+ will receive a discount the Early Bird discount
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Full Access Pass (3 Days): £300
Immerse yourself in the complete conference experience. This pass grants you access to all keynote sessions, workshops, Q&As, and evening social events across all three days.
Daily Pass: £175
Can't make the whole event? Pick the day that best fits your schedule and join us for a full day of targeted professional development and networking.
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REGISTRATION OPEN ON AUGUST 17