6 — Framework for gender mainstreaming in coach education

Greece

Antetokounmpo Academy or AntetokouBros’ Academy

Country

Greece

Organization(s) Involved

Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation (CAFF) – Founder and core sponsor
Kaizen foundation
Growthfund, the National Fund of Greece
Nike – Main athletic sponsor
The American College of Greece (Pierce – Deree – Alba)
Eurohoops Organization – Program implementation and coordination
Bioiatriki Nutrition
Ergon Foods
Desmos Non-profit foundation

Description of the Practice

The AntetokounBros Academy was officially launched in 2019 by Giannis, Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex Antetokounmpo. The Academy is a free, pro bono basketball and life skills program based in Athens, designed to empower youth from low-income families through sports, education, and character development.

Inspired by the personal story and values of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, the Academy provides an inclusive environment focused on diversity, gender equality, and long-term community impact. Through basketball, mentorship, and academic support, the program helps young people grow into responsible athletes, teammates, and citizens.

Main Objectives

Empower youth through sports and education
Provide inclusive opportunities regardless of nationality, gender, or religion
Promote girl/women empowerment and combat stereotypes
Foster life skills like leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution
Offer basketball and academic pathways, including scholarships
Train future coaches and mentors
Build a lasting legacy for underserved communities

Key Activities

Bi-weekly Basketball Training with professional coaching (Evina Maltsi, Head Coach)
Inspirational Leadership Workshops (4 annually) covering critical thinking, communication, active listening
Mentorship Programs by scholarship recipients and former participants
Basketball School Sessions analyzing in-game decision making
University & Sports Scholarships through the American College of Greece and basketball academies
Coach Training for young adults (18–25)
Annual Talent Recognition Events
Material & Support Packages (Nike equipment, Bioiatriki nutrition and cardio checks, Legal consultation for families, Hot meals and food boxes via Ergon)

Target Groups

Boys and girls aged 10–17 from low-income or refugee backgrounds
Young adults aged 18–25 interested in coaching

Results / Impact

Over 100 youth participants annually
More than 35 nationalities represented
Numerous recipients of academic and basketball scholarships
Participants return as mentors, promoting a cycle of empowerment
Positive transformation in confidence, teamwork, and inclusion skills
Recognition from local and international stakeholders as a model of community impact.

In particular, the key results and impacts of the Antetokounmpo Academy related to girls’ and women’s empowerment and the breaking of stereotypes are as follows:

The Academy is inclusive of all nationalities, religions, genders, actively promoting girls’ and women’s empowerment and standing against stereotyping.
“One Team for All” philosophy fosters a mixed-gender space, normalizing girls’ participation in basketball, while leadership and mentoring challenge traditional gender roles, equipping girls with critical social skills. The program deliberately supports girls in basketball, breaking traditional gender norms in a male-dominated sport.
Annual inspirational workshops and speaking sessions include themes of women’s empowerment and diversity, anti-bullying, showcasing strong role models such as Head Coach Evina Maltsi and guest speakers.
Former women participants and scholarship recipients become junior coaches, creating a visible path for girls and reinforcing gender balance in coaching roles. Visible women role models —from coaches to scholarship recipients— reshape expectations and represent new pathways for girls in sports and education.
Academic & career opportunities for young women: AEG scholarships and the “One of a Kind” program through the Onassis Foundation enable women participants to access academic and athletic scholarships, furthering their education and professional development. Women coaches also benefit from contract opportunities, reinforcing sustainable empowerment paths.

Transferability

The Academy model is adaptable in other contexts by:

Building partnerships between sport organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions that prioritize gender inclusion and create leadership pathways for women coaches.
Integrating sports with life-skills training and holistic support, while promoting women’s role models in coaching to inspire and mentor young girls.
Creating scalable and inclusive community engagement programs that intentionally recruit, train, and empower women coaches, challenging gender stereotypes and expanding representation in sports leadership.

Link or Supporting Material

Website: https://antetokounmpoacademy.com

Contact Person (Optional)

Official contact form at: https://antetokounmpoacademy.com/en/contact-en

Erasmus+ project “GAMES: Guidance to Achieve More Equal leadership in Sport”

Countries

Greece, Turkey, Belgium, Latvia, Ireland, Czech Republic, Germany and North Macedonia.

Organization(s) Involved

GAMES gathers a prestigious consortium involving the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the European Olympic Committees (EOC) EU Office, European National Olympic Committees (NOCs) from Greece, Turkey, Belgium, Latvia, Ireland, Czech Republic, Germany and North Macedonia), experts and researchers from “Equal Rights in Sports” and “I Trust Sport”, as well as National Federations, sports clubs & training bodies.

Description of the Practice

GAMES project aims to improve gender equality in the key leadership and decision-making positions of NOCs by promoting structural changes in the governance, enhancing the understanding on the existing cultural barriers and encouraging the NOCs to work with their member federations to create a sustainable change.

The GAMES project ran for two years – from April 2022 to March 2024 – under the guidance of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) EU Office.

Main Objectives

General investigation on the status of NOCs regarding the implementation of policies for gender equality in leadership positions.
Definition and validation of a “Global Pool of Actions” divided on key areas (i.e structural changes, culture, pathways for women) to implement policies to boost gender equality across European NOCs.
Creation and implementation of tailored Action Plans to promote gender equality in leadership positions and tackle the gender gap for each of the partner NOCs.
Communication and dissemination of the “Global Pool of Activities” to other NOCs and relevant sports stakeholders.

Key Activities

Needs assessment and baseline study: a questionnaire assessed capacity in promoting gender equality within each partner NOC. A written review of the collected data was produced and shared within the consortium.
Global pool of actions: a global pool of actions was developed and made publicly available. It provided pathways for NOCs and sport governing bodies to develop capacity in gender equality
National Action Plans (NAPs): NAPs were created and implemented by each partner, providing tailored pathways for capacity building in gender equality.

More specifically, in Greece, the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) was involved in the following:

Baseline study & surveys on gender culture & barriers
Pilot implementation of NAP, with events, indicators, and feedback
Webinars & workshops open to stakeholders, athletes, and coaches
Midterm & National Launch Events to present and evaluate the NAP
Awards & scholarships for women in coaching/management
Institutional support: strengthening the Gender Equality Commission and partnerships with HOC, municipalities, etc.

Target Groups

Women coaches, managers, referees, and sports doctors
National Federations & clubs: staff and management
Policy structures in sports education and governance
Athletes, parents, NOC staff

Results / Impact

Submission and adoption of the NAPs in August 2023
Midterm Conference held in Athens with participation from 8 NOCs & 50+ stakeholders
Recognition of impactful initiatives and increased women’s representation in administrative bodies
Scholarships awarded for coaching studies (IEK Alfa) and awards by Gender Equality Commission
30% representation target integrated into local federations’ governance

Challenges Faced

Gap between policy and implementation
Resistance from entrenched structures to cultural change
24-month timeframe – needs continuation
Need for post-NAP monitoring & evaluation

Transferability

NAP & gender training model exportable to other sports (e.g. football, basketball, volleyball, individual sports)
Baseline–NAP–Webinars–Awards–Monitoring model is flexible for NOCs, federations, or even education policy structures
GAMES consortium pilots transfer of good practices to 7 European countries

Link or Supporting Material

Project’s website: https://games-project.com

The Hellenic Olympic Committee hosts the Mid-Term Conference for the GAMES project: https://www.hoc.gr/en/hocnews/the-hellenic-olympic-committee-hosts-the-mid-term-conference-for-the-games-project

Celebrating Gender Equality at the Hellenic Olympic Committee Award Event: https://www.hoc.gr/en/hocnews/celebrating-gender-equality-at-the-hellenic-olympic-committee-award-event

Contact Person

HOC Gender Equality Commission – President: Vasiliki Millousi
EOC EU Office – GAMES coordinator contact: e.g. Folker Hellmund
Contact HOC: info@hoc.gr

“It’s a Woman’s Game”

Country

Greece

Organization(s) Involved

Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) – lead organization of the program
FIFA Women’s Football Development Programme – support and funding body
Regional football associations/clubs, municipalities, UEFA C training schools (for scholarships)

Description of the Practice

The “It’s a Woman’s Game” program aims to develop the grassroots base of women’s football, focusing on
introducing women to coaching. It is primarily aimed at girls under 12, parents, women interested in
becoming coaches, and women’s clubs.

Main Objectives

Strengthen the culture of women’s football and create favourable conditions for girls and women
Increase the number of registered women and their representation in coaching
Raise parental awareness of football’s benefits
Support aspiring women coaches with UEFA C scholarships

Key Activities

Interactive Fair Play festivals for girls in public spaces
Information sessions for players, parents, clubs, and coaches
Donations of sports equipment to academies and free giveaways
UEFA C Scholarships for women pursuing coaching education
Pilot futsal program for women to gain experience in organized coaching

Target Groups

Girls under 12 and their parents
Women wishing to become coaches
Women’s clubs & football academies
Local football communities and public institutions

Results / Impact

Increased engagement: Fair Play festivals and new events boosted women’s involvement in football
Rise in registered girls (through schools and academies)
Applications submitted for UEFA C scholarships – some were accepted with full cost coverage
Launch of a women’s futsal pilot program with local team participation

Challenges Faced

Stereotypes: acceptance of women’s football still limited
Need for continuity: festivals are positive steps but long-term support is essential
Organization: limited resources to expand the program nationwide

Transferability

The “It’s a Woman’s Game” is a strong example of good practice: combining events, education, social awareness, and support for women coaches. It shows potential for expansion through future initiatives and funding. The model is suitable for adoption by other sports, organizations, and regions at national and international levels.

In more details:

The structure – festivals, parent outreach, scholarships, futsal pilot – can be applied to other sports (e.g. basketball, volleyball)
The method of combining women’s festivals + coaching pathway offers a replicable model for sports academies
The futsal pilot can be expanded to other cities and sports to build grassroots systems

Link or Supporting Material

Official presentation – EPO “Programs” section (detailed program information): https://www.epo.gr/Default.aspx?a_id=44806+&utm

Greek FA launches its women’s football strategy with FIFA support: https://inside.fifa.com/womens-football/news/greek-fa-launches-its-womens-football-strategy-with-fifa-support?utm

Hellenic Football Federation – Inside FIFA: https://inside.fifa.com/about-fifa/associations/GRE?utm

Contact Person

EPO – Women’s Football Department, Email: epo@epo.gr | Tel: +30 210 930 6000
Program Manager: Iakovos Filippousis (Executive Director)

Erasmus+ project “Fair Coaching”

Countries

Greece, Italy, France, Netherlands, Sweden

Organization(s) Involved

KEA – Fair Play CODE Hellas (Greece)
Lega Pallavolo Serie A (Italy) – coordinator
ASSIST – Associazione Nazionale Atlete (Italy)
Alice Milliat Foundation (France)
Fare Network (Netherlands)
Other partners: Finnish Coaches Association, Serbian Rugby League Federation, Girls In Sport (Sweden)

Description of the Practice

The Fair Coaching project (2020–2022) aimed at promoting respect and values among professional and most of all grassroots coaches and trainers, contrasting sexist, violent and discriminatory behaviours to ensure a healthy and inspiring sport environment for professional and young athletes.

Main Objectives

Broad awareness for coaches, athletes, and families about non-violent and non-discriminatory behavior
Prevention of problematic behavior through institutional Codes of Conduct
Promotion of good coaching practices and support for young women – athletes and coaches

Key Activities

Development of Codes of Conduct, guidelines, and training packages for coaches
Transnational exchange and workshops through the partner network (Italy, Greece, Finland, Serbia, Netherlands, Sweden)
Dissemination of good practices through narratives and mentoring among women coaches and athletes

Target Groups

Coaches and trainers at amateur and professional levels
Young women athletes — focus on vulnerable groups
Athletes, parents, and club administrators
Sports schools and community centres

Results / Impact

A European framework (Code of Conduct + guidelines) was developed focusing on protection and support for women athletes
Experience and regulation exchanges between partners (e.g., Italy–Greece)
Creation of mentoring and peer-support structures for supporting women in coaching
Integration of practices in policy bodies for preventing sexism in sport

Challenges Faced

Cultural differences required adaptations in each country
COVID-19 restrictions impacted the delivery of on-site activities
Lack of institutional regulations in federations — official adoptions are still needed

Transferability

Fair Coaching was a significant good practice for promoting gender inclusion in coach education, emphasizing the protection of women athletes, use of codes of conduct, mentoring, and intercultural exchange. Its model is ready for wide implementation in other sports and contexts.

The framework is fully adaptable to other sports (e.g., basketball, football, volleyball, individual sports). It can be integrated into educational programs for coaches in schools and clubs, while the mentoring model can also support other vulnerable groups beyond women.

Link or Supporting Material

Project’s website: https://www.faircoaching.eu

Greek project description: https://www.leonkaraiskos.com/fair-coaching-2020-2022.html?utm

Contact Person

Leonidas Karaiskos, President of KEA – Fair Play CODE Hellas

gWomen Sports Summit

Country

Greece

Organization(s) Involved

Gazzetta Women – main organizer (gWomen is an initiative by the Greek sports media platform Gazzetta.gr, focused on promoting women in sports and advocating for equality, empowerment, and representation)
gr – key supporter & media partner
Municipality of Piraeus – co-organizer
Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Social Cohesion & Family – supporters
Participating athletes, coaches, media and cultural figures

Description of the Practice

The “gWomen Sports Summit” is a two-day annual event held in Piraeus, Greece, with its first edition in November 2022, followed by the second in December 2023 and the third in November 2024.

Its mission is to promote women’s presence and leadership in sports by bringing together athletes, coaches, public figures, and key stakeholders from the fields of sports, culture, and media. The summit features thematic panels, public talks, and networking opportunities designed to increase the visibility of women in sports and create a vibrant forum for the exchange of experiences and best practices.

Discussions explore a wide range of issues including women’s career development, leadership, and motherhood in sports, often involving dialogue with political and sports leaders. The event also includes a social responsibility dimension, with proceeds supporting vulnerable communities through charitable initiatives.

Main Objectives

Increase visibility of women in sports
Create a forum for coaches, athletes, and organizations to exchange experiences and practices
Explore topics such as women’s career paths, motherhood in sports, through dialogues with political and sports leaders
Support vulnerable communities (e.g., through proceeds donated to charitable causes)

Key Activities

Annual conference with keynote speeches, panels, and networking sessions
Collaboration with the Municipality of Piraeus to broaden reach and accessibility
Revenue donations to schools for sports equipment (e.g., after storm Daniel in Thessaly)
Involvement of representatives from sports, culture, and media in discussions – including volleyball, basketball, swimming

Target Groups

Female athletes and coaches across different sports
Sports bodies, club representatives, coaches
Political figures
Media
Students and children through parallel actions

Results / Impact

Organization of three events with notable personalities and institutions
Establishment of a recognized institution for gender representation discussions in media
Charitable support for schools and vulnerable communities with sports equipment
Development of a professional community (athletes, coaches, media) on an annual basis

Challenges Faced

Ensure follow-up and implementation of summit outcomes by organizations through practical, real-world applications.
Accurate measurement of attitude/awareness change in coaching programs
Financial sustainability to ensure continuity beyond one-off events

Transferability

The gWomen Sports Summit is a powerful example of practical awareness-raising for promoting gender in sports education. It includes structured actions, institutional partnerships, school support, and formal participation from public figures. Its model can be integrated into postgraduate studies, coaching seminars, and European policies. In more detail:

The format – conference with panels, workshops, and dialogues – can be applied to other areas of coach education
Elements such as school donations, municipality involvement, and multi-sector panels can be adopted by other sports conferences (e.g., volleyball, track and field)
Institutional content (talks, experiences, best practices) can be integrated into coaching seminar modules

Link or Supporting Material

GWomen, 1st Women’s Sports Summit: https://specials.gazzetta.gr/the-gazzetta-women-sports-summit/index.html

GWomen, 2nd Women’s Sports Summit: https://specials.gazzetta.gr/the-gazzetta-women-sports-summit-2/index.html

GWomen, 3rd Women’s Sports Summit: https://specials.gazzetta.gr/the-gazzetta-women-sports-summit-3

Contact Person

Vasso Nikopolidis, PR Director – Liquid Media (GWomen Summit), via Municipality of Piraeus & Gazzetta Women

“Make Place For One More Woman”

Country

Greece

Organization(s) Involved

Hellenic Olympic Winners Association (ΣΕΟ/in Greek)
Greek & International Olympic Committees (IOC, HOC)
Sports federations (e.g. Handball Federation)
ALFA Vocational Training Institute

Description of the Practice

“Make Place For One More Woman” is a national initiative launched in 2017–2018 to increase women’s representation across all areas of sport, including coaching, refereeing, and administration. Inspired by Voula Kozomboli—Olympic silver medalist in water polo and recipient of the 2015 IOC Women and Sport Award (Europe)—the campaign empowers women through awareness efforts, grassroots tournaments, scholarships for financially underprivileged girls, and annual awards that recognize outstanding contributions to women’s participation and leadership in sports.

Main Objectives

Promote equal opportunities for women across all roles in sport (athletic, coaching, administrative)
Encourage women’s full participation by addressing structural and cultural barriers
Support career pathways for women through targeted scholarships in coaching, physiotherapy, and sports business
Provide access to opportunities for girls and women from financially or socially disadvantaged backgrounds
Recognize and celebrate the achievements of female athletes, coaches, and sports professionals

Key Activities

Organizing the “Make Place For One More Woman” awards to honor outstanding women contributors in sports (launched in 2019, second held in 2022)
Hosting grassroots events and charity tournaments—such as WeLoveBasketballForGirls—to promote girls’ participation in sports
Awarding sports scholarships to young women, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in fields like coaching, physiotherapy, and sports business
Running media campaigns and building partnerships with national federations (e.g., Handball Federation) and private sponsors to expand outreach and impact

Target Groups

Women athletes, coaches, referees, sports administrators
Financially disadvantaged girls and young women pursuing education in sport-related fields

Results / Impact

Raised national awareness of women’s roles in sports through campaigns, grassroots events, and award ceremonies (e.g., 2019, 2022)
Supported numerous young women—especially from underrepresented backgrounds—through sports scholarships and inclusive tournaments like WeLoveBasketballForGirls
Secured formal support and visibility from multiple sports federations, including alignment with International Women’s Day campaigns
Strengthened partnerships among Olympians, vocational institutions (e.g., IEK ALFA), and national sports bodies to promote sustainable gender equity in sport

Challenges Faced

Ensuring sustainable funding and consistent programming beyond annual awards and one-off events
Expanding geographic reach to include rural and underserved areas, not just urban centers
Strengthening long-term support structures, including vocational and career development pathways
While the initiative saw strong engagement in its early years, recent activity has been limited, underscoring the importance of revitalization efforts

Transferability

The program offers a scalable and replicable framework -including scholarships, award-based recognition, and grassroots events- that sports federations and Olympic committees can adopt in other countries. Its integrated partnership approach between Olympians’ associations, educational institutions, and federations provides a strong template for developing sustainable career pathways and promoting female talent in sports globally.

Link or Supporting Material

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/makeplace41morewoman

Hellenic Olympic Winners Association – info about the program: https://olympicwinners.gr/make-place-for-one-more-woman

Voula’s Zygouri website – info about the program:

https://voulazygouri.gr/tag/make-place-for-one-more-woman

Contact Person

Voula Kozoboli, +30 694 973 7319, voulakozo@yahoo.gr

EU project “Whistle”

Countries

Greece, Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Spain

Organization(s) Involved

Italy (USMA, Si pùo fare, Comune di Padova), Turkey (SPELL), Bulgaria (Courage Foundation), Greece (KEAN, Hellenic Volleyball Federation), Poland (Fundacja Instytut Partnerstwa Strategicznego) and Spain (Actividades Alternativas).

Description of the Practice

Whistle is a movement aimed at preventing and combating verbal sexual harassment (VSH) and catcalling in sports. Funded by the European Commission, the project brought together municipalities and associations from multiple countries, and was implemented from January 1, 2021, to April 30, 2024.

Main Objectives

The “Whistle” project envisions a world where everyone—women, men, girls, and boys—can participate in sports and physical activity in a safe, respectful environment, free from all forms of harassment, especially catcalling and sexual harassment. By fostering such inclusive spaces, athletes and coaches can focus on performance without fear or distraction, leading to reduced dropout rates, improved results, and greater participation. More women and girls will be empowered to engage in sports or adopt active lifestyles—contributing to a healthier, more equitable society overall.

The project’s specific objective are the following:

Raise Awareness about verbal sexual harassment (catcalling) in sports.
Educate Stakeholders—including coaches, athletes, parents, and staff—through training and workshops.
Prevent Dropout of women in sports by addressing harmful environments.
Develop Tools and Guidelines to help organizations combat harassment.
Promote Cross-Country Collaboration among municipalities and associations.
Create Safe, Inclusive Sports Environments for women and girls.

Key Activities

Testimonies, Interviews & podcasts with athletes and coaches, awareness raising campaigns and meetings with policymakers

Target Groups

The project target groups are the following: a. Young female athletes in organized settings, b. Women practicing open air (runners, cyclists…), c. Coaches of female team + Trainers female sports, d. Sport managers, e. Public authorities and policy makers, f. Women and civic associations managers and staff, g. Psychologists, h. Fans at grassroots level in elite, i. Public of women’s matches, j. Men in general.

Results / Impact

Establishment of WHISTLE ADVISE SYSTEMs (WAS)

Over 30 sports clubs across participating countries have implemented the WHISTLE ADVISE SYSTEMs (WAS). These systems provide a structured and supportive framework for women to report incidents of verbal sexual harassment and receive appropriate assistance. The sustainability of these systems is ensured through ongoing collaboration with local stakeholders, aiming for long-term impact in promoting safer sports environments.

couragefoundation.eu

Empowerment of over 150 Women

The project has directly engaged more than 150 women, empowering them to share their experiences and participate in pilot programs designed to address and prevent VSH. This empowerment has contributed to a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and addressing harassment in sports.

couragefoundation.eu

Awareness campaigns targeting key stakeholders

Creative awareness campaigns have been developed to highlight the effects of catcalling on women’s participation in sports. These campaigns have effectively reached a wide audience, including male athletes, coaches, sports professionals, managers, and fans, fostering a collective responsibility to combat harassment.

Challenges Faced

Key challenges faced in addressing verbal sexual harassment in sports, relevant to the WHISTLE project:

Fear of retaliation, which discourages victims from reporting harassment.
Lack of clear reporting mechanisms, making it difficult for individuals to come forward.
Cultural and institutional silence, which prevents open discussion and whistleblowing.
Insufficient legal protections, leaving whistleblowers vulnerable.

Transferability

The WHISTLE project offers strong transferability potential, as its tools, awareness campaigns, and reporting systems can be adapted by sports organizations and local authorities across different countries and contexts.

In addition, its collaborative model, engaging municipalities, clubs, and civil society, can provide a scalable framework for tackling verbal sexual harassment in diverse sporting environments.

Link or Supporting Material

https://whistleproject.eu

Contact Person

Asterios Patsiaouras, Hellenic Volleyball Federation, spats@uth.gr

Teaching modules in mixed gender classes

Country

Greece

Organization(s) Involved

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science

Description of the Practice

From 2013 all obligatory Modules are taught in groups of mixed gender. For example, in the modules Teaching Rhythmic Gymnastics I & II classes are mixed gendered.

Main Objectives

The module, as all modules, gives the appropriate knowledge and skills for all students (regardless their gender) to teach rhythmic gymnastics, as well as other sports. The successful attendance and examination give them the possibility to receive a coaching licence from the National Government. This why there is no exclusion for females as coaches.

Recently, the Department appointed a committee on Gender Equality and Combating Discrimination. The Committee will get actions form the new academic year (2025-2026).

Key Activities

Training modules

Target Groups

All female physical educators and preservice-coaches

Results / Impact

Participants are increasingly engaged, as they find the module both challenging and valuable for their professional development.

Link or Supporting Material

www.phed.auth.gr

Contact Person

Evdoxia Kosmidou

E‑journal Γυναίκα & Άθληση (Women & Sport – In Greek)

Country

Greece

Organization(s) Involved

Panhellenic association for the promotion of women in sports and athletics (P.E.P.G.A.S – the acronym in Greek – Πανελλήνια Ένωση για την Προώθηση των Γυναικών στον Αθλητισμό και τα Σπορ)

Description of the Practice

PEPGAS publishes a bi‑annual open-access scientific e‑journal titled Women & Sport (ISSN 2654‑0037), dedicated to research at the intersection of gender and athletic practice. Initially print-based (until 2017), it transitioned to digital-only distribution to increase accessibility

Main Objectives

Disseminate original peer-reviewed research on sport, physical activity, and women.
Enhance visibility and scholarly dialogue concerning women’s involvement in sport.
Encourage academic contributions by offering accessible publishing routes.

Key Activities

Publishes two issues a year, featuring anonymized double peer review by at least two experts per manuscript.

Accepts original scientific articles in Greek or English—with abstracts in both languages—and maintains free online access via its website.

Target Groups

Researchers and academics focused on gender equity in sport.
Policy makers, coaches, and practitioners seeking evidence-informed strategies.
Students, practitioners, and the general public interested in women’s sports.
All women involved in sports, as athletes, coaches, judges, administrators

Results / Impact

Enhanced scholarly output on women’s sports in Greece, spanning topics like media representation, disability sport, technology in youth training, nutrition, and body image.
Facilitated interdisciplinary dialogue and international visibility in gender-sport studies.

Challenges Faced

PEPGAS was the first association focusing on women in sports in Greece

Transferability

This example showcases how a sports association dedicated to the promotion of women in sport can implement an open-access academic publication to foster research, policy discourse, and visibility on gender and sport, offering a robust, replicable model for similar initiatives.

This model—transitioning to an open-access, peer-reviewed e‑journal—can be replicated by similar associations or NGOs internationally. Simple requirements include securing an ISSN, establishing a review board, and using standard submission platforms.

Link or Supporting Material

https://pepgas.gr/περιοδικό

Contact Person

Evdoxia Kosmidou (Member of the Administrative Council)

Women’s Football League Development

Country

Greece

Organization(s) Involved

Hellenic Football Federation (Greek acronym: EPO, transliterated in Latin characters)

Description of the Practice

The aim of the program is the development of women’s football and the advancement of women’s role in football in Greece. Part of the program directly addresses gender equality, particularly in relation to coaching staff.

It focuses on creating opportunities for women to engage as football coaches, reducing gender stereotypes, improving working conditions, and providing education and training.

It was carried out between April and July 2025, with the support of UEFA. It was addressed to the entire football community, local associations, clubs, management bodies, coaches, and female football players.

Main Objectives

The initiative aims to reduce gender stereotypes, increase the representation and number of women in coaching positions, and improve both the skills and professional attitudes of women coaches

Key Activities

Awareness-raising sessions on women’s football were conducted across all UEFA coaching renewal courses.
Five educational seminars were organized, both in person and online.
Incentives were provided through the reimbursement of tuition fees for UEFA C coaching courses, specifically for women coaching candidates.

Target Groups

Officials, coaches, and women football players

Results / Impact

5 seminars conducted, and more than 550 people attended the seminars (both men and women, in-person and online).
40 sessions on women’s football held within the UEFA coaching refresher courses reached approximately 4,000 licensed coaches. In particular, 10, 20, and 8 educational sessions were delivered for the UEFA A, B, and C coaching licenses, respectively, with appr. 500, 2,700, and 800 coaches in attendance (both men and women).
A total of 39 candidate women coaches benefited from the tuition reimbursement program for UEFA C license courses.

Challenges Faced

One of the most significant obstacles was the prevailing bias that the Federation was not genuinely interested in women’s football, as well as the scepticism regarding the usefulness of all these activities.

Another challenge was the difficulty in mobilizing stakeholders —particularly administrative officials— to participate in the educational activities.

In some cases, long travel distances posed a barrier to attending in-person sessions. However, this issue was effectively addressed through the option of online participation. Finally, in certain instances, a lack of digital literacy presented a hurdle.

Transferability

Both the underlying philosophy and the implementation approach of the initiative can be transferred to other sports, provided that appropriate adaptations are made to suit the specific context, structure, and needs of each sport discipline.

Link or Supporting Material

Info-day UEFA Women’s League Development (Volos) – In Greek

Site: https://www.epo.gr/News.aspx?a_id=54774&NewsType=21

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLPpw5TN_hT, https://www.instagram.com/p/DLKjVONNj9R/?img_index=1

Info-day in Athens (in Greek)

Site: https://www.epo.gr/News.aspx?a_id=54763&NewsType=21

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/p/DK4jZ5ONVl7/?img_index=1, https://www.instagram.com/p/DK947oKt1tm

Info-day in Rethymno (in Greek)

Site: https://www.epo.gr/News.aspx?a_id=54721&NewsType=21

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKXSI3HNStq/?img_index=1, https://www.instagram.com/p/DKccJVaITFS

Info-day in Thessaloniki

Site: https://www.epo.gr/News.aspx?a_id=54698&NewsType=21

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKFKN-ztzh1/?img_index=1, https://www.instagram.com/p/DKHjgzMNhxP

Contact Person

Evangelos Karamoulas

(EPO – Project Manager, Strategic Planning Directorate)

Shaping Talents and Achieving Vocational Excellence in Sports – STARS

Countries

France, Germany, Greece, and Spain

Organization(s) Involved

Organizations from EUROPE: The European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) & The European Observatoire of Sport and Employment – (EOSE)

Organizations from FRANCE: 135 BPM, Ligue Hauts-de-France d’Athlétisme, L’Université de Picardie, Ministère des sports, de la jeunesse et de la vie associative, Région académique Hauts-de-France

Organizations from GERMANY: BK Consult GmbH, Leipzig University, Bezirksregierung Düsseldorf

Organizations from GREECE: Metropolitan College,

The Institute of Vocational Training AKMI, General Secretariat of Sports, Hellenic Volleyball Federation

Organizations from SPAIN: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Sport Innovation Hub, Spanish Futsal Players Association

Description of the Practice

STARS is the first Erasmus+ Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in sport. It will be implemented from 1-3-2024 until 31-12-2027 (duration of 36 months).

The STARS mission is to establish a sustainable and inclusive sports sector that promotes vocational training and the wide variety of professions in the sector, by contributing to the continuous upskilling and reskilling of sports professionals and athletes, identifying specific skill gaps and providing high-quality training aligned with job-related key competences and current needs of the sector. Innovation in teaching methods is therefore at the heart of the project, enhancing the validation of prior and informal skills as well as dual careers opportunities for athletes.

Main Objectives

The project aims to promote excellence in vocational training in the sports sector, both at the regional and European scale, by bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, from sports professionals to industry and VET representatives to create a European framework enabling to support of all sport professionals in their careers.

Key objectives include the following:

Enhancing vocational training to meet the unique needs of the sports sector.
Promoting inclusion, equality, and diversity by designing inclusive education models and fostering equal access for all.
Supporting dual careers for athletes, combining sports with education and career transition programs.
Enhancing employment opportunities through career guidance and validation of prior learning.

Key Activities

Agreement for a Large-Scale Skills Partnership in Sport
Reports on the Activities of Regional and EU wide Skills
Building Block 1: transition package to an Open Sports Scholl
Building Block 2: A role model of a Support Service of Dual Career for Athletes
Building Block 3: In Sports School Anti-GBV and Racism mechanism
Building Block 4: A Comprehensive model for the facilitation of the Collaboration of Sport Schools with Industry Stakeholders, for the conduction of Applied Research developed
Building Block 5: Portfolio of Learning Pills for the Upskilling and Reskilling of Sport Professionals and Educators
Building Block 6: A valid and broadly recognized system for the validation of prior and informal learning of skills and competences that Athletes developed during their career
Building Block 7: A comprehensive and analytical guide for the application of different financial models in Sports Education
Building Block 8: Sport School Mega Sport Event Management Support Service developed
Sports CoVE Governance Model
Report on the piloting of the Building Blocks at each of the pilot countries
Final Transferability Package for the transformation of Sports Education Providers into Sports CoVEs

Target Groups

The target groups of the STARS project include sports professionals (such as coaches and trainers), vocational education and training (VET) providers, policymakers, public authorities, and young athletes. The project also aims to reach sports clubs, educational institutions, and organizations working on social inclusion, gender equality, and anti-discrimination in sports.

Results / Impact

The project is still in progress. However, the main impact areas include the following:

Establishment of a sustainable, inclusive sports ecosystem.
Pioneering gender equality initiatives and providing support systems.
Driving innovation by developing strategies that create sustainable impacts in the sports sector.

Challenges Faced

The project is still in progress.

Transferability

The project is still in progress.

Link or Supporting Material

https://shapingsport.eu/the-project

Contact Person

Asterios Patsiaouras, Hellenic Volleyball Federation, spats@uth.gr

Promoting Gender Equality through Inclusive Sports Education Events

Countries

Greece

Organization(s) Involved

Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) – Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Committee & Department of Physical Education & Sport Science

Description of the Practice

The Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Committee of DUTH implemented a series of public events and awareness actions in collaboration with the Department of Physical Education & Sport Science to promote gender equality in sports education. These included inclusive workshops, recognition of women’s contribution in sport, and student participation initiatives.

Main Objectives

Promote gender mainstreaming in sports education
Raise awareness on gender discrimination and inclusion
Highlight female role models in coaching and physical education

Key Activities

Event “Games with a scent… of woman” with Second Chance School participants
Participation in the 33rd International Congress of Physical Education and Sport
Honorary award to Anastasia Kelesidou (celebrated Greek former discus thrower and Olympic medalist)
Public campaigns and university-wide sensitization initiatives

Target Groups

University students in physical education
Academic and local community stakeholders

Results / Impact

High visibility and participation in events
Strengthened community ties around gender equality

Challenges Faced

Need for structural integration of gender mainstreaming in curricula
Resistance to change in traditionally male-dominated sports culture

Transferability

This practice can be adapted by other universities or sports education institutions by creating synergies between gender equality committees and physical education faculties, especially through community-based actions.

Link or Supporting Material

Website: https://genderequality.duth.gr

Social media: https://www.instagram.com/equality_duth

https://www.facebook.com/genderequalityduth

Contact Person

Prof. Sevastí Chatzifotiou, President of the Gender Equality Committee, DUTH, Email: genderequality@duth.gr