FRIST Virtual Training Empowers Sports Leaders to Embrace Digital Transformation

In a rapidly changing sports world, going digital isn’t just an option - it’s a necessity. Whether you're running a grassroots volleyball team or a local swim academy, digital tools can help you manage operations, engage your community, and elevate performance. That’s the vision behind the Fourth Revolution in Sports Training (FRIST) project, and it’s gaining momentum across Europe.

On the 16th of September, FRIST hosted an Enhanced Virtual Training, bringing together 69 coaches, facilitators, and sports leaders to explore cutting-edge digital strategies. The session covered a range of topics including:

• Virtual facilitation techniques

• Digital tools for training and management

• Interactive engagement methods

• Digital sport management best practices

• Synthesizing digital transformation in sports

During the session, speakers from across Europe shared how they’re applying digital tools in real-world club environments.

🚀 Rok Kerin - Integrating Digital Insights into Sport Management

Rok demonstrated how tools like GPS tracking, video analysis, and predictive data models are revolutionizing swim training. His team is also preparing a multilingual educational video for parents - helping bridge the gap between families and clubs with accessible digital content.

🎮 Konstantin Zankov - Advanced Digital Tools and Interactive Engagement Techniques

Konstantin introduced gamified platforms like Mentimeter, Kahoot, Miro, and Swidu that make online training sessions more fun and engaging. He emphasized how visual content and interactive formats can energize both athletes and volunteers.

🔍 Elvis Jurić - Synthesizing Digital Transformation

Elvis highlighted the value of structured reflection in every digital project. For transformation to be effective, he explained, clubs must assess outcomes, document results, and continually improve their approach.

💡 Iva Gjurić Smrekar - Introduction to Digital Tools and Developing Virtual Facilitation Skills

The session also tackled the topic of virtual facilitation. Expert Iva Gjurić Smrekar shared best practices for using platforms like Zoom and Teams, while highlighting the role of AI, inclusivity, and clear planning in successful virtual meetings.

On the marketing front, clubs learned how social media, storytelling, and messaging apps like WhatsApp can help them reach wider audiences and build strong communities - even with limited resources.

🌍 What is FRIST?

FRIST is an Erasmus+ funded initiative designed to help small and medium-sized sports clubs navigate and implement digital transformation. The partnership includes:

• Lota’s Box (Croatia)

• Female Volleyball Club Pazin (Croatia)

• Bulgarian Sport Development Association (Bulgaria)

• Budapest Association for International Sports (Hungary)

• Swim Academy Rok Kerin (Slovenia)

Their shared mission? To make sports smarter, greener, and future-ready - one club at a time.

🔜 What’s Next for FRIST?

The project continues with a range of follow-up actions, including:

• 📚 Free resources: training slides, curricula, and toolkits available for download on the project website (to be maintained for at least 5 years).

• 🌐 Ongoing workshops and international learning events.

• 🤝 An in-person training event in Zagreb on 13–14 November 2025, bringing partners and community members together.

👉 Stay Connected

The FRIST project is more than a training - it's a movement toward a more connected, efficient, and inclusive future for sports organizations. Follow along for updates, tools, and stories from clubs embracing the digital age.

Let’s work together to future-proof sports - one innovation at a time.