The 2025 Internationalization and Athletics Summit
England Edition
June 14-21, 2025
Brought to you by Walk With TFB and Athlete Futures Abroad

The Internationalization and Athletics Summit is the only convening in the world exclusively

focused on the relationship between internationalization and sport.

Purpose

To bring scholar-practitioners and industry professionals together to share research and programming concerning the evolving relationship between internationalization and sport.

Summit Format

The 2025 Summit will be held in England!

After two years of our virtual convening, we partnered with Athlete Futures Abroad (AFA) to create a week-long immersion experience full of cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and of course, FUN!

The 2025 Summit will take a cohort of U.S. college athletics professionals to two different universities across England to learn with and from industry professionals working in British university sport.

University visits will include facility tours, sessions on industry leading practices and programming, and interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration and networking among participants.

Athlete Future Abroad

Athlete Futures Abroad (AFA) helps student-athletes explore global education opportunities, providing the tools and resources to connect with international universities.

Through in-person events and their digital platform, AFA educates athletes on their options and offer instant contacts to schools across the United Kingdom.

Visit AFA's website to learn more about their programs, events, and resources designed to support international education through sports.

Participating UK Universities

Loughborough University

University of Central Lancashire

Throughout the month of February, we will learn more about each UK Uni on the Walk With TFB podcast.

In the interim, check out their websites linked above!

U.S. Based Participants

Professionals who are employed in college athletics at U.S. higher education institutions

More specifically, selected professionals will be folks who work in student-athlete development and/or athletics academic advising.

Priority will be given to athletic departments, institutions, and conferences who are committed to internationalization.

Examples of this commitment include but not limited to:

advocating for graduate studies abroad
fostering global partnerships
promoting cultural exchange opportunities, and
encouraging student-athletes and staff to engage in international experiences.

Presentations

Participants selected for this program will be required to deliver a 45-minute presentation addressing challenges, opportunities, and successes in college athletics.

Presenters may focus on the broader U.S. college sports ecosystem or tailor their discussion to specific areas such as student-athlete development and academic advising.

Examples of potential topics include, but are not limited to:

Innovations in recruiting and retention strategies
Enhancements in student-athlete academic support programs
The integration of technology to improve student-athlete outcomes
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)
Approaches to fostering a culture of inclusion and equity in college sports
Career readiness and workforce preparation

Participants will be given the opportunity to propose their own topic during the application process.

Participants will deliver their presentations to UK colleagues to help deepen their understanding of U.S. college sports.

Cost: Is it still free?!

WWTFB and AFA will cover most in-country site visit expenses, including all accommodation and transportation, and the majority of meals for participants.

Roundtrip airfare to England will be the responsibility of the participants.

To secure your spot at the summit, selected participants are required to submit a $150 Confirmation Contribution (CC). This CC fee serves as a commitment to attendance and directly supports the event’s planning and execution, ensuring a high-quality experience for all attendees. It also reinforces accountability and engagement within our summit community.

Expectations for Participants

This is not a subsidized vacation.

The schedule will be demanding, with long, highly engaged days and significant walking. We are fully committed to accommodating all mobility needs.

There will be little free time and opportunities for email or outside work.

Partners, pets, and travel companions are not permitted during the Summit.

Participants are expected to be fully active and engaged throughout the program. Those who fail to meet this requirement will be required to reimburse WWTFB and AFA for the cost of their participation.

Information Session

Join us for our upcoming Information Session where we'll provide an overview of the 2025 Internationalization and Athletics Summit, including program details, application guidelines, and key benefits of participation.

Thursday, February 6 at 11am ET

All registered attendees will receive a recording of the session via email, and the session will also be posted on the Walk With TFB YouTube channel for broader access.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more and have your questions answered!