CoachForce21: Enhancing the role, responsibility and status of sport coaches in 21st century Europe

Background Recent research indicates that up to nine million sport coaches could be active in the EU supporting 100 million citizens to fulfil their sporting goals on a daily basis across performance, youth sport and sport for all contexts (European Commission, 2016, 2017; CoachLearn, 2016). The Council Conclusions of the Estonian presidency (2017) highlighted the pivotal role of sport coaches, not only in the delivery of sport, but in the development of people and societies. Objectives In light of the above, CoachForce21 had two main objectives: Strengthening coach representation at national and European level through the provision of guidance and support for existing and developing Coaches’ Associations in the EU Bringing the Voice of the Coach to the fore of the Social Dialogue in Sport to foster Good Governance in the Sector Implementation To achieve the above, the CoachForce21 partners have: Developed a baseline picture of the current coaching landscape across the 27 Member States Mapped the current impact of Coaches’ Associations across the EU Created guidance tools and resources for current and prospective Coaches’ Associations relating to the convening, governance, relevance, & impact of this type of organisations. Effectively engaged with coaches on the frontline, employers, national & international sporting organisations Achievements As a result of the above actions, the representation and influence of coaches in the European and national social dialogue has been enhanced and will continue to do so. Good governance in sport coaching and sport in general will be increased, and coaches’ wellbeing, employability, mobility and equality will be bolstered. The resources created by CF21 have started to be used by the members of the consortium in their respective countries.