Sport Industry Event: Neurodiversity & Mental Wellbeing in Sport – Speakers Announced

The Sport Industry Group is set to host a mental wellbeing event on March 12th, 2026, focusing on neurodiversity within the sport industry. The breakfast event, to be held at the Sport Industry Group’s office, arrives ahead of Neurodiversity Celebration Week and signals a continued commitment to open conversations surrounding mental health and wellbeing amongst professionals in the sector.

The event will center on lived experiences of neurodiversity in sport, aiming to explore both the challenges and the opportunities that arise from creating inclusive and supportive workplaces. A compelling lineup of speakers has been confirmed, each bringing a unique perspective to the discussion.

Leading the conversation will be Claire Rafferty, a former professional footballer who made over 100 appearances for Chelsea in the FA Women’s Super League. Rafferty also represented England internationally 18 times and competed at the London 2012 Olympic Games as part of Team GB. She has publicly discussed her journey to receiving an ADHD diagnosis and the impact it had on both her personal and professional life, offering valuable insight into navigating high-performance environments with neurodiversity.

Joining Rafferty will be Connie Hayes, a British road cyclist currently competing at an elite level. Hayes is a vocal advocate for improved mental wellbeing support in sport and openly shares her experiences as an autistic individual. Diagnosed in her twenties, Hayes challenges conventional stereotypes and provides a powerful voice for change, drawing on her experiences both on and off the bike.

Completing the speaker roster is Katie Gleeson, a GB Shooting athlete specializing in 50m 3-Position Rifle and 10m Air Rifle. Gleeson has represented Great Britain in over 30 major competitions. Following her autism diagnosis in 2025, she has begun to openly discuss neurodivergence in elite female sport, highlighting how traits that contributed to her international success also played a role in periods of burnout. Her experience offers a crucial perspective on supporting neurodivergent athletes at the highest levels of competition.

The Sport Industry Group’s initiative comes at a time of increasing awareness surrounding neurodiversity and its impact on various sectors, including professional sport. The event aims to move beyond simply acknowledging neurodiversity to actively fostering environments where individuals can thrive, regardless of neurological differences. The focus on lived experiences is particularly significant, allowing attendees to connect with the realities faced by athletes and professionals navigating the demands of the sport industry.

Rafferty’s openness about her ADHD diagnosis is particularly noteworthy. Historically, athletes have often been hesitant to discuss mental health challenges, fearing it might impact their careers or public image. Her willingness to share her story helps to destigmatize neurodiversity and encourages others to seek support when needed. Similarly, Hayes’ advocacy and Gleeson’s recent openness contribute to a growing movement within sport to prioritize mental wellbeing and create more inclusive cultures.

The event’s timing, preceding Neurodiversity Celebration Week, underscores its importance. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an annual event dedicated to challenging stereotypes and celebrating the strengths of neurodivergent individuals. By hosting this event beforehand, the Sport Industry Group aims to generate momentum and encourage ongoing dialogue throughout the week and beyond.

The Sport Industry Group’s commitment to encouraging open and informed conversation around mental health and wellbeing is a positive step for the industry. Creating supportive workplaces is not only ethically responsible but also strategically advantageous. Inclusive environments can unlock the full potential of all individuals, leading to increased innovation, creativity, and performance.

The event is open to anyone working within the sport industry who has an interest in mental wellbeing and neurodiversity. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register their interest.