Български
Upskilling Coaches
BSDA held UPSkilling Coaches training course
28.05.2026
On 28 May 2026, Bulgarian sports development association (BSDA) organized a training course under the UPSkilling Coaches project at the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski” in Sofia. The course focused on enhancing the qualifications and professional development of female coaches in sport. Eleven female coaches from a variety of sports disciplines took part in the training, which provided an opportunity to exchange experience, knowledge, and best practices related to coaching development and the challenges faced by women working in the sports sector.
The UPSkilling Coaches project aims to strengthen the skills, coaching quality, and employment opportunities of female coaches, particularly in minority sports. The initiative is inspired by the recommendations of the European Commission’s High-Level Group on Gender Equality in Sport (2022) and highlights the need for greater participation and sustainable professional development for women in coaching.
During the training course, participants explored key topics including leadership in sport, gender equality, the professional competencies of modern coaches, motivation, and the creation of supportive sporting environments. Particular attention was given to overcoming existing stereotypes and barriers facing female coaches, as well as promoting greater visibility and recognition of their professional contributions.
As part of the UPSkilling Coaches project, a range of practical and educational resources will be developed. These will include a comprehensive research report examining the challenges and opportunities for female coaches, a structured training methodology, an online toolkit for continuous learning, and a European network designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among coaches and sports organizations.
The project also includes training sessions, workshops, awareness-raising campaigns, and activities aimed at promoting inclusion and equal opportunities in sport. Through these initiatives, the project partners seek to drive positive change within the sports sector and create better conditions for the professional advancement of female coaches across Europe.
UPSkilling Coaches is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme and will be implemented over a 24-month period through a partnership of organizations from Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, and Lithuania. With its innovative approach and strong focus on gender equality, the project aims to serve as a catalyst for sustainable change in European sports coaching.
During the training course, participants explored key topics including leadership in sport, gender equality, the professional competencies of modern coaches, motivation, and the creation of supportive sporting environments. Particular attention was given to overcoming existing stereotypes and barriers facing female coaches, as well as promoting greater visibility and recognition of their professional contributions.
As part of the UPSkilling Coaches project, a range of practical and educational resources will be developed. These will include a comprehensive research report examining the challenges and opportunities for female coaches, a structured training methodology, an online toolkit for continuous learning, and a European network designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among coaches and sports organizations.
The project also includes training sessions, workshops, awareness-raising campaigns, and activities aimed at promoting inclusion and equal opportunities in sport. Through these initiatives, the project partners seek to drive positive change within the sports sector and create better conditions for the professional advancement of female coaches across Europe.
UPSkilling Coaches is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme and will be implemented over a 24-month period through a partnership of organizations from Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, and Lithuania. With its innovative approach and strong focus on gender equality, the project aims to serve as a catalyst for sustainable change in European sports coaching.
