Sports Day | British Dental Students' Association

We are delighted to host the BDSA Sports Day 2026 in Manchester - a flagship event celebrating healthy competition, community spirit, professional engagement, and student wellbeing. Bringing together dental students from across the UK, this year’s Sports Day blends high-energy athletic competition with meaningful networking, governance, and collaboration.

Building on the proud tradition of spirited challenges and vibrant social connection, Manchester 2026 will be inclusive, memorable, and truly one not to forget.

Focus and Themes

Healthy Competition & Wellbeing
Our Sports Day promotes intrinsic motivation, physical health, and collegial challenge. From competitive leagues to fun and social sports, there is space for everyone - whether you are competing for the trophy or joining for the experience.

Inclusivity & Community Spirit
We are committed to creating an event where everyone can get involved. Alongside competitive fixtures, social and recreational sports ensure participation at every level, fostering unity across year groups and universities.

Northern Pride & Culture
Manchester’s iconic sporting and music heritage provides the perfect backdrop. As one of the UK’s great sporting cities, the event will feel like more than just a tournament - it will be an experience that captures the city’s energy, pride, and urban vibrancy.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration
We emphasise meaningful engagement with organisations active in community health and social care, including NHS Trusts, alongside our valued sponsors and affiliates. Exceptional networking opportunities with institutional partners will be integrated throughout the weekend.

AGM & Governance
In alignment with our organisational mission, the BDSA AGM will be hosted during the event, ensuring that governance and strategic direction sit at the heart of our national gathering.

Why Attend? Participants will benefit from:

Professional networking - Meet dental students from every UK dental school, connect across year groups, and build lasting friendships within the BDSA community.
Strategic partnerships - Engage with sponsors and institutional partners committed to public health, advocacy, and care provision.
Exposure to allied fields - Gain insight into developments in health, social care, and community wellbeing.
An integrated programme - A unique structure bridging formal governance and professional engagement with applied sporting activity under a shared ethos of wellbeing.
A setting for renewal - An exceptional venue and programme designed to support reflection, connection, and creative engagement.

We warmly invite students, colleagues, sponsors, partner organisations, and practitioners to join us in Manchester for this integrated national event - advancing not only competition and connection, but sustained collaboration across health, social care, and the wider community.