Български
Upskilling Coaches
Final #UpSkillingCoaches meeting in Palermo
29.09.2026
From 27 to 29 September 2026, the final international meeting under the #UpSkillingCoaches – A New Methodology to Empower Female Coaches project took place in Palermo, Italy. The project focuses on empowering women coaches and creating more opportunities for their professional development in sport.
Bulgarian sports development association (BSDA) was represented by Joanna Dochevska, Ivelina Kirilova, and Velina Toneva, who took part in the final activities and international exchange as part of the initiative. During the event, the project’s key results were presented, along with the European awareness campaign and petition supporting greater opportunities for women coaches. Particular attention was given to the real-life experiences of women working as coaches, the challenges they face, and opportunities for more equal participation and professional development in the sports sector. International coaches also shared their experience and personal stories.
The agenda provided space for discussions, the exchange of good practices, and the development of new professional connections. The final part of the event continued with “Sport as a Tool for Inclusion” and a social football match, putting sport at the centre as a means of bringing people together and fostering inclusion. The #UpSkillingCoaches project (101181931) aims to develop a new methodology to support and empower women coaches and contribute to a more equal sporting environment.
The final meeting in Palermo marked the conclusion of the project’s international activities, while also laying the foundation for continued efforts to bring more women into the coaching profession, create more opportunities for professional development, and build a stronger and more equal sporting sector.
The agenda provided space for discussions, the exchange of good practices, and the development of new professional connections. The final part of the event continued with “Sport as a Tool for Inclusion” and a social football match, putting sport at the centre as a means of bringing people together and fostering inclusion. The #UpSkillingCoaches project (101181931) aims to develop a new methodology to support and empower women coaches and contribute to a more equal sporting environment.
The final meeting in Palermo marked the conclusion of the project’s international activities, while also laying the foundation for continued efforts to bring more women into the coaching profession, create more opportunities for professional development, and build a stronger and more equal sporting sector.
