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EGSID
International EGSID training held at Deportivo La Coruña
25.06.2026
In the period 21–25 June 2026, an international training event under the EGSID – Empowering Grassroots Sport for Inclusion and Development project took place in La Coruna, Spain, hosted by Deportivo La Coruña. The project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and focuses on strengthening grassroots sport as a tool for social inclusion, active lifestyles, and the sustainable development of local sports communities. The international training provided participants with an opportunity to explore successful models for sports organization management, talent development, sports infrastructure development, and the implementation of innovative approaches to athlete education and training.
A key highlight of the agenda was the visit to Deportivo La Coruña, one of Spain’s well-known football clubs, where participants gained first-hand insight into the club’s structure, youth development methodologies, and approaches to creating a sustainable sporting environment. The training programme opened with a presentation of the club by Ana Laura, who introduced participants to the organization’s structure and activities. This was followed by a visit to the club’s training centre led by José Núñez, Training Centre Manager, where participants explored the facilities and systems supporting athlete development and performance. Particular attention was given to the role of data and technology in modern sport. Manuel Vidal and Alejandro Rodríguez presented the club’s approaches to data analysis, software solutions, and systems management that support decision-making processes and optimise athletic preparation.
Participants also learned about the organisation of Dépor Campus programme, presented by its director Sergio Maurente, with discussions focusing on models for engaging children and young people through sport-based educational and social activities. An important part of the agenda was dedicated to youth football development and the club’s academy structure. Antonio Ventura, Head of Youth Football for the 11-a-side category, presented the organisation and coordination of the club’s Dépor Canteira academy, along with methods for identifying and developing young talents.
The topic of unlocking young athletes’ potential through sport and games was presented by David Lagar, Head of Educational Strategy, who highlighted the importance of game-based approaches, educational components, and creating a positive environment for development. The training also addressed athlete physical preparation. Toño Ventura, Head of the Physical Preparation Department, presented the club’s methodology for developing physical performance and building long-term athletic potential. The agenda concluded with a focus on supporting young talents through psycho-educational approaches in sport. Guillermo Galán from the club’s psycho-educational department presented methods for supporting young athletes, encouraging teamwork, and creating a safe and inclusive sporting environment.
The international EGSID training reaffirmed the importance of European cooperation and knowledge exchange among sports organisations. Through initiatives like this, the project contributes to strengthening the capacity of sports professionals, advancing grassroots sport, and promoting values such as equality, inclusion, and active participation in sporting life. Ivaylo Zdravkov, Board member of BSDA, and Assoc. Prof. Korneliya Naydenova, PhD, Head of the Department of Theory of Physical Education at the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski”, former national athlete and current football coach took part in the training on behalf on Bulgarian sports development association (BSDA).
Participants also learned about the organisation of Dépor Campus programme, presented by its director Sergio Maurente, with discussions focusing on models for engaging children and young people through sport-based educational and social activities. An important part of the agenda was dedicated to youth football development and the club’s academy structure. Antonio Ventura, Head of Youth Football for the 11-a-side category, presented the organisation and coordination of the club’s Dépor Canteira academy, along with methods for identifying and developing young talents.
The topic of unlocking young athletes’ potential through sport and games was presented by David Lagar, Head of Educational Strategy, who highlighted the importance of game-based approaches, educational components, and creating a positive environment for development. The training also addressed athlete physical preparation. Toño Ventura, Head of the Physical Preparation Department, presented the club’s methodology for developing physical performance and building long-term athletic potential. The agenda concluded with a focus on supporting young talents through psycho-educational approaches in sport. Guillermo Galán from the club’s psycho-educational department presented methods for supporting young athletes, encouraging teamwork, and creating a safe and inclusive sporting environment.
The international EGSID training reaffirmed the importance of European cooperation and knowledge exchange among sports organisations. Through initiatives like this, the project contributes to strengthening the capacity of sports professionals, advancing grassroots sport, and promoting values such as equality, inclusion, and active participation in sporting life. Ivaylo Zdravkov, Board member of BSDA, and Assoc. Prof. Korneliya Naydenova, PhD, Head of the Department of Theory of Physical Education at the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski”, former national athlete and current football coach took part in the training on behalf on Bulgarian sports development association (BSDA).
