The European Aquatics Elite Coach Conference – Swimming 2026 is more than a coaching conference. Taking place on September 18-19 in Maia, Portugal, the event is designed to bring together members of the entire aquatic community to explore the latest developments in coaching, athlete development, sport science and high-performance swimming.
The programme is primarily tailored for coaches – for whom this is a mandatory education unit in order to renew European Aquatics Coach Certification.
But the conference is open to all members of the European Aquatics community, including athletes, officials, managers, administrators and anyone with an interest in the continued development of swimming.
Organised as part of the European Aquatics education programme, the conference offers two days of presentations, research sessions and discussions led by internationally recognised experts.
Participants will have the opportunity to hear from specialists in high-performance coaching, sport psychology, environmental physiology and talent development, while exchanging ideas with colleagues from across Europe.
Confirmed speakers include Kim Dietrichsen (Denmark), Ana Sousa (Portugal), Aylin Post (The Netherlands) and Frédéric Vergnoux (France), alongside oral presentations showcasing the latest research and innovation in swimming.
Beyond the educational programme, the conference also provides a valuable networking opportunity, bringing together professionals from different areas of the sport to discuss common challenges, share experiences and build new collaborations.
For coaches holding a European Aquatics Coach Certification, the conference also plays an important role in maintaining their qualification.
Attendance counts towards the mandatory education units required to renew the European Aquatics Coach Certification, making it an essential event for certified coaches wishing to keep their accreditation up to date.
Participants may attend either in person at the University of Maia or online through the European Aquatics Academy platform, ensuring that the conference remains accessible to the wider aquatic community.
Registrations remain open until September 11, 2026.
Whether you are a coach looking to enhance your knowledge, an athlete interested in understanding the latest developments in performance, or an official or manager committed to the growth of swimming, the European Aquatics Elite Coach Conference offers an opportunity to learn from leading experts and contribute to the future of the sport.
Register now through the European Aquatics Academy and join colleagues from across Europe for two days dedicated to education, innovation and excellence in swimming.
