FLS Conference
Allianz Stadium Twickenham
MAY 2026
How far is it legitimate to go in order to win?
On May 12th, the Foundation for Leadership through Sport (FLS) hosted its latest conference at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham bringing together leaders from sport, business, the military and beyond to explore:
Fair Play and Sportsmanship in Sport, Business and the Military
The afternoon created space to reflect on how leaders navigate pressure, performance andprinciple, and what that means in practice.
The conference was opened by Chair Eboni Usoro-Brown, before Founder Bob Reeves introduced the theme and context.
Jonathan Duke-Evans explored the origins of fair play through An English Tradition, while Kevin Roberts challenged us to rethink what leadership needs to look like today, in a world defined by pace, complexity and constant pressure to perform.
An exceptional panel skillfully chaired by Kate Mason brought further perspective from sport, business and the military, including Wayne Barnes, Tim Griffin, Paul Hayward, Huw Jennings, Vic Marks, Langley Sharp MBE and Kelly Sotherton MBE.
Across the afternoon, one reality stood out:
Leadership is tested when pressure, performance and principle collide.
A few ideas that stayed with me:
+ Pressure reveals leadership
+ Judgement matters as much as process
+ Trust is built over time and tested in moments
+ What you permit, you promote
+ Winning at all costs is often short-term thinking in disguise
One comment that particularly resonated:
“Your judgement in moments that matter may shape what you are remembered for.”
We closed with breakout conversations focused on how leaders stay on the ‘right side of the line’
and what they will do differently to achieve this.
One reflection I’ve been left with since…
Almost every contribution (in different ways) pointed back to the same foundation: Clarity
- Clarity of vision
- Clarity of purpose
- Clarity of values
- Clarity in how people succeed together
- Clarity in communication
Without clarity, pressure creates interference. With clarity, leaders act with greater consistency, integrity and intent.
We were delighted by the engagement on the day and the feedback received afterwards, as well as the number of attendees choosing to join the Foundation.
As a growing community, FLS membership is free and it was encouraging to see so many people keen to stay connected and continue the conversation.
Eboni closed the event so thoughtfully, including sharing FLS’s future direction and it was powerful to hear Elliss reflect on the impact FLS has had on her early leadership journey.
A huge thank you to everyone!