Innovating Football Leadership: Inclusion through Policy and Practice
▶Summary
Background The iFlipp project started in 2020 and was finalised in June 2023. The project’s implementation was impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic and the rules around social distancing and travel. Due to this reason a 6-month extension was requested and approved.The project was implemented by Fare network, HÁWAR.help, Integrated Dreams, European University Students Association-EUSA, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Portugal Football Federation, Malta Football Association, with coordination from Fare. Objectives iFlipp's objectives include:1. Evaluate recent research on representation of WEM in football leadership to craft inclusive governance plans at national and European levels.2. Boosting leadership skills of WEM in football by creating inclusive training content, for sports entities.3. Championing inclusive leadership through a MOOC & European policy recommendations, grounded in a manifesto backed by football stakeholders.4. build capacity among and promote peer learning among and networking. Implementation The project unfolded largely as proposed with adjustments in timeline, partner organisations, and event locations. It trained women and ethnic minorities, enhancing their understanding of diversity and football structures. Partners collaborated to heighten awareness of leadership barriers faced by the target group in football. Engagements involved various football stakeholders, including Malta and Portuguese FAs. Knowledge from Fare's European network aided in forming a stakeholders network. Achievements The project collected data on the current figures regarding diversity and leadership in football organisations in Europe, developed a European Roadmap, an Open Community Platform, a Massive Open Online Course and a European policy Recommendation and Summary Manifesto. All the outputs have been uploaded on the project’s website and are freely available. IFlipp had an impact at the level of women and ethnic minority people, football policy makers, partner organisations and general public.