The Upskilling Coaches project, funded under the Erasmus+ Sports Programme, represents a transformative initiative aimed at promoting gender equity and professional development in sports. This project spans a collaborative partnership between organizations from Hungary, Bulgaria, Italy, and Lithuania, focusing on empowering female coaches in minority sports through innovative training methodologies and tools.

Objectives

The Upskilling Coaches project seeks to address the gender disparities in coaching by fostering an inclusive sports environment and equipping female coaches with the skills needed to excel.

Its primary goals include:

 

● Developing a cutting-edge training methodology tailored to female coaches, integrating technical and soft skills.

● Establishing a European network for female coaches to facilitate cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing.

● Launching targeted awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and elevate the visibility of female coaches.

● Enhancing career opportunities for female coaches in minority sports through specialized e-learning tools and mentorship programs.

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Key Activities

1. Field Research and Needs Analysis
Comprehensive research involving surveys and focus groups will highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by female coaches. This will inform the development of innovative training resources.
2. Training and E-learning Development
An e-learning toolbox, featuring modules on leadership, technical coaching, and inclusivity, will provide accessible training for coaches across Europe.
3. Workshops and Campaigns
Workshops led by sports and gender experts will empower female coaches and inspire future generations. Additionally, public campaigns will promote the role of women in sports coaching.
4. European Networking and Dissemination
A dedicated online network for female coaches will foster collaboration, and the project results will be widely disseminated through events, publications, and social media platforms.

Target Groups

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● Female coaches in minority sports
● Aspiring coaches and athletes
● Sports organizations and policymakers
● Stakeholders committed to gender equity in sports

Project Partners

The project is implemented by a consortium of experienced organizations:
● Budapest Association for International Sports (BAIS) – Hungary
● Bulgarian Sports Development Association (BSDA) – Bulgaria
● Centro Internazionale per la Promozione dell’Educazione e lo Sviluppo (CEIPES) –
Italy
● Baltic Education Technology Institute (BETI) – Lithuania

Impact

The Upskilling Coaches project aspires to:
● Enhance the employability and career prospects of female coaches.
● Cultivate a culture of inclusivity within sports organizations.
● Strengthen transnational collaboration in advancing gender equity in sports.
● Generate a sustainable framework for empowering women in sports.

For more information, follow the project updates on its official website and social media channels:
● Facebook: Upskilling Coaches
● Instagram: @upskillingcoaches_project

The Upskilling Coaches project exemplifies how sports can serve as a platform for social change, driving equity, empowerment, and innovation.