sport industry nextgen

Launched by Sport Industry Group in 2015, Sport Industry NextGen is a prestigious professional development programme that provides the best emerging talent in our industry with a tailored year-long leadership package which includes extensive training, personal development and networking opportunities.

THE PROGRAMME

Open to those under the age of 30, successful applicants have direct access to some of the brightest minds and best organisations within sport and business through interactive best-practice, learning, and leadership sessions.

With 30 applicants admitted each year, the Sport Industry NextGen Leaders alumni network includes almost 250 individuals who are forging a new future for our industry.

Sport Industry Group are delighted to confirm the five athletes have joined the programme for the very first time.

Dylan Pugh, Managing Director at Sport Industry Group, said, “We are thrilled to welcome these athletes to the NextGen 2026 Programme. We are honoured to support and collaborate with such a talented group, and I look forward to seeing their growth throughout the year.”

“The athletes will bring a unique perspective to the cohort while gaining valuable insight into the commercial and operational side of sport. This is an exciting step for NextGen as we support athletes in developing skills for life beyond competition.”

Images from the 2026 Kick-Off Session

THE ATHLETES

The 2026 programme is the first year that elite athletes have been invited to participate alongside the selected 30 industry leaders. The following athletes have officially joined the NextGen 2026 cohort:

Holly Aitchison

England and Sale Sharks fly-half, Aitchison has become a key playmaker in women’s rugby, known for her tactical kicking and creativity. An international since 2021, she helped The Red Roses secure the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and has stood out in Six Nations and global competition, regularly shaping Red Roses’ attacking play.

Adam Gemili

British Olympic sprinter and Team GB standout, Gemili has broken barriers on the track with sub-10s (100m) and sub-20s (200m) marks. A former football youth player, he became European champion and World relay gold medallist, narrowly missing individual Olympic medals while captaining and inspiring the next generation of British sprinters.

Alex Goode

A legendary English rugby union fullback and utility back, Goode enjoyed a decorated career with Saracens and England. Renowned for his versatility, he made over 400 club appearances, won multiple Premiership and European titles, and earned national caps before retiring at the end of the 2024/25 season as one of the modern game’s great campaigners.

Cindy Ngamba

Cameroonian-born boxer who made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning bronze in women’s middleweight boxing, becoming the first athlete to medal for the Refugee Olympic Team. Based in the UK, she combines elite performance with a powerful story of resilience and representation on the world stage.

Lauren Steadman

British Paralympic athlete and paratriathlon champion, Steadman has competed across four Paralympic Games in swimming and triathlon. A Tokyo 2020 gold medallist and multiple world and European title winner, she’s celebrated for her resilience, academic achievements, and inspirational role both in sport and beyond.

Leadership Package

The Sport Industry NextGen Leaders receive a tailored year-long Leadership Package which includes executive training, personal development and networking opportunities.

The Kick-Off

The Kick-Off is the beginning of the programme, where the Sport Industry NextGen Leaders participate in a range of tasks that will serve as the foundation for the year. The Coaches observe and engage with the Leaders as they challenge them to take risks, learn, and demonstrate their leadership capabilities.

Executive Training Sessions

The Sport Industry NextGen Leaders will get direct access to some of the brightest minds and best organisations within sport for hands-on learning and leadership sessions.

Community

Informal drinks and social occasions throughout the year help to develop the strong bond among the Sport Industry NextGen Leaders, while also acting as a chance to get to know the alumni from across all the different year groups.

The NextGen 2026 Cohort

With 30 applicants admitted each year, the Sport Industry NextGen Leaders alumni network includes almost 250 individuals who are forging a new future for our industry

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