Kick-off meeting lays groundwork for ICOACHGIRLS+ programme

Members of the CEV Technical and Development Department attended this past week the kick-off meeting for the Erasmus+ funded project ICOACHGIRLS+ (ICG+) organised in Dublin. 

The gathering in the Irish capital city was an opportunity to define and review the CEV’s specific contribution to the programme, with a focus on planning and delivering five activity centres specifically tailored for girls aged 12-16, with each centre due to engage up to 30 participants. 

Moreover, the CEV will recruit 10 head coaches and 30 apprentice coaches who will lead and support the delivery of the activity centres. The recruitment aims primarily to involve older Gen Z women and girls (whose age ranges from 16 to 24) in order to foster a new generation of female coaching talent. To this extent, the CEV will help with the delivery of ICG+ coaching education workshops for the recruited coaches and support their placement within the activity centres so that they can gain hands-on experience. 
 
Sport participation among adolescent girls remains a priority for inclusion, health, and empowerment. At the same time, it is well-known that women are under-represented in coaching roles across Europe. By combining youth activity programmes with coach education and mentoring, the CEV and its consortium partners aim to create sustainable pathways that benefit both participants and coaches alike.
 
The CEV’s involvement will contribute to:
•    The provision of enhanced opportunities for girls to stay engaged and confident in sport
•    The development of a strengthened pipeline of young female coaches in Volleyball and other sports
•    Greater visibility of positive role models within the sport community at large. 
 
This project reflects CEV’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the long-term development of sport for all. Beyond its immediate impact, it also aligns with CEV’s broader strategic ambition to strengthen women’s representation across all levels of the sport, by investing early, supporting talent, and creating meaningful pathways for their continued growth.

Disclaimer
Project funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.