Promotion of social integration through the training of the coaches and sport clubs

ATHLISI project had as a main aim to promote the social inclusion of children from disadvantaged target groups (Roma immigrants, children from low socioeconomic background) through their increased participation in sport activities in the framework of the activities of the sport clubs. In order to achieve the objective, ATHLISI organised specialised training sessions with representatives of sport clubs and coaches in issues related with social integration and the promotion of the cooperation of the sport clubs with the local community. The activities of the project were concentrated in 6 European countries (Greece, Italy, Malta, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Slovenia). The training was organised through the use of face to face seminars and e-learning. The e-learning course was organised with participants both from the project partners but also with participants from all overEurope. A total of 132 members of this target group participated in the training, 72 in face to face trainings and 60 in the framework of e-learning courses. The face to face courses had an average duration of 20 hours while the e-learning courses included 40 hours training. A training certificate was awarded to all the participants who completed successfully the course. The modules on which the training was developed were the following: 1) Developmental Psychology, 2) Pedagogical and Motivational Guidance on Inclusive Sport, 3) Sociology, Social Inclusion, Interculturality, Social Skills 4) Competence Guide for Applied Exercise/ Sport Teaching 5) Effective Communication through Sports 6) Sports Management. The training material was developed initially in English and then translated in all the partners’ languages. The training material was developed on the basis of a research that was conducted by the project partners at the beginning of the project. The research was organised with the combination of desk research and field research techniques. In the desk research, the partners have identified already existing initiatives, training courses and best practices whose results could be valorised in the framework of the project. In the field research, the partners have organised two focus groups: one with the participation of coaches and representatives of the sport clubs and one with the participation of members of the local community. After the completion of the theoretical part of the training, all the involved coaches were asked to implement practically the skills and knowledge acquired through the organisation of events targeted to disadvantaged members of their community.