National Parent Football Conference – Manchester
No Handbook, No Rulebook. Just You, Us & Industry Professionals.
Sunday 27 September 2026 | 9:30am–5:30pm | Hotel Football, Old Trafford, Manchester
This is the UK’s only conference built entirely for football parents. Whatever level your child plays at, grassroots all the way to professional, this day is for you. Parents of girls and boys. Grassroots and Academy families. If your child plays football, this is for you.
This is a parent only event.
Why come?
Because no one else is doing this. You’ll hear real talk from people who’ve lived it: parents, industry experts and professionals who can finally tell you what clubs often don’t have the time, or the freedom, to say. Player pathways, girls’ football, academy football, the business side of football, wellbeing, and looking after the whole athlete. You’ll leave with answers, a community of parents who get it, and the confidence to support your child through whatever stage they’re at.
What’s included in your ticket
Lunch and refreshments all day, an end of day networking session with full access to our panel, and a programme packed with discounts, offers and support to help you on your journey. Plus give-aways, amazing raffle prizes, 3 months free membership to No1Fan.club, and access to post event content. You’re not just buying a seat, you’re joining a community.
Guest speakers, panellists and industry experts
No more “to be announced”. This year’s line‑up brings together parents who’ve lived the journey, club professionals who shape it daily, and specialists who keep young players healthy, informed and protected off the pitch as well as on it.no1fan+1
You’ll hear from:
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Parents of professionals across boys’ and girls’ football – including Yinka Tomori (father of Fikayo Tomori, AC Milan), Tricia Egan (mother of CJ Egan‑Riley, Marseille, and Roman Egan‑Riley), Kate Iorpenda (mum to pros Tom and George Iorpenda), Les Rowe (father of Emile Smith‑Rowe), and Leanne Batt (mum of an Arsenal U21).
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Club and academy leaders – such as Ian Smithson (Head of Education, Manchester United), Amanda Goodwin(Women’s Academy Manager, Manchester United), Callum Tongue (Manchester City senior recruiter/coach), and Ross McGuire (Child Psychologist, Ipswich Town FC).
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Pathway and business experts – including football agent Daniel Geey (Sports Lawyer, Sheridans), agent Lindi Ngwenya, non‑league specialist Peter Chadwick (Non‑league Gems), insurance expert Jim Rainford (Miller Insurance), commercial agent Christina Taylor (athlete commercial agent, clients include Mary Earps and Laura Coombs), and Dr Chris Platts (football development researcher and consultant).
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Whole‑player specialists – from sports physio Eve Imaru and nutritionist Kate Shilland to mental health professional Matt Smith, child psychologist Ross McGuire, safeguarding and crime‑prevention specialist Craig Pinkney, professional footballer Kayleigh MacDonald (Bolton Wanderers FC), and youth‑development expert Antar Adams.
Sessions are built to turn lived experience and expert insight into action: how to set the right foundations in the grassroots game where it all begins, what academy football really demands of a child’s body and mind, which routes exist beyond the “elite” label, and how to safeguard your family’s wellbeing, values and finances as the stakes rise.
Expect honest stories from families who’ve been there, practical checklists you can use at home, and direct access to the people who make decisions in clubs, agencies and support services.
If you’ve ever wondered:
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Your child has been invited for an academy trial. What do you ask the club?
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A football agent wants to meet you. Is it too soon, and what do you ask them?
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Your child isn’t getting picked. Do you speak to the coach?
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Your daughter wants to be a pro. Is the pathway fit for purpose, and what do you ask now?
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How much do you spend chasing the football dream – and is it worth it?
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Are we stacking too many extras on top of training, school and life?
Responses