The second edition of the Sports Education Forum 2026 was held in Tbilisi, Georgia, on April 17 and 18, bringing together leading figures from the sports industry
Following a successful first edition, the Sports Education Forum 2026 returned to Tbilisi on April 18 and 19, where it gathered several key stakeholders from the sports sector. The forum, organized by Johan Cruyff Institute and JBS Academy, is a platform dedicated to advancing sports education and fostering innovation in sports management through topics such as emerging trends, strategic planning, leadership, and sports marketing.
Sports Education Forum 2026: a boost for the sports industry
Over two days, the forum brought together prominent international sports professionals who shared their experience and insights on the current challenges and opportunities in the industry. On the first day, panels, keynote presentations, and showcases took place. The second day consisted of two workshops and certified training sessions.
The Sports Education Forum 2026 featured top-level figures from the sports sector:
- Edwin van der Sar: one of the most successful football players in history and former CEO of AFC Ajax, with a strong background in leadership and management within elite football.
- Tamar Chikviladze: Head of Production at Setanta Sports Eurasia and Chevening Scholar, with over a decade of experience in media and content production.
- Arnaud Amouroux: Peace and diplomacy professional with over 20 years of experience in international cooperation and sustainable development.
- Mariam Bolkvadze: Professional tennis player with over 15 years of international experience, having competed in all four Grand Slam tournaments.
- Sam Parfitt: Founder and CEO of The True Athlete Project (TAP) and a leading voice in sport for social change.
- Nathan Lutch: Revenue Marketing Manager at Celta Vigo, working across brand, digital, retail, and business development.
- Lukas Dorda: Associate Academic Director at Johan Cruyff Institute and multilingual executive with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry.
Sports Education Forum 2026: exploring the key trends shaping the sports industry
Across both days, the forum gathered leading international sports professionals who shared their experience and perspectives on the industry’s current challenges and opportunities. Attendees were able to hear first-hand accounts of the careers and insights of figures who have held key roles in top-level sports organizations. The Sports Education Forum 2026 focused on four main thematic pillars:
- Sports leadership: high-level participation from sports federations, clubs, and leading media figures
- Technology and the digital era: analysis of the impact of Big Data, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital fan engagement
- Monetization strategies: connecting specialized education with tangible business outcomes
- Practical workshops: the second day featured exclusive certified sessions focused on sports marketing and sponsorship, and mental health in sport
With this participation, Johan Cruyff Institute reaffirms its commitment to training leaders prepared to face the challenges of contemporary sport, promoting a global, transformative vision centered on the value of applied knowledge.
