Contact

FEMCoach in Cabo Verde – Supporting the Growth of Female Coaches Worldwide!

ISG 14 May 2025
FEMCoach

On May 12-13, 2025, a unique event took place as part of the FEMCoach project – the Transnational Partners Meeting and international seminar in the picturesque Tarrafal de Santiago, Cabo Verde. The event brought together representatives of sports organizations, female leaders, coaches, and experts in women’s sports. Although our team couldn’t be there in person, we actively participated in the event online.

What is the FEMCoach Project?

The FEMCoach project is an international initiative supported by the Erasmus+ Sport program, aimed at increasing the participation of women in sports and professionalizing their roles as coaches. It addresses the challenges highlighted in the EU Physical Activity Guidelines and the Tartu Call for a Healthy Lifestyle, focusing on empowering female coaches through education, collaboration, and professional development.

Meeting in Tarrafal de Santiago – Review of Achievements

During the meeting in Cabo Verde, participants reviewed the progress made so far within the FEMCoach project. The main points of the agenda included:

  • Presentation of a comprehensive manual and educational resources, which will form the foundation for the upcoming MOOC (Massive Open Online Course). This course is specifically designed for female coaches, aiming to improve their skills and provide access to modern coaching methods.
  • Discussion on the scientific research review process, which will supply valuable educational materials and support future training activities.
  • Debates on the communication challenges of the project and the development of tools to support female coaches, making it easier to access knowledge and educational resources.

The meeting had a mixed format – some organizations participated on-site, while others joined online, emphasizing the international character of the project.

Seminar: Raising the Quality of Coaching for Women in Sports

On the second day, the seminar took place in the Noble Hall of the Municipality of Tarrafal de Santiago. This event focused on the key challenges facing female coaches and athletes in Cabo Verde, including:

  • Lack of access to sports infrastructure and limited financial support,
  • Cultural and social barriers that hinder career development in sports,
  • Inequality in access to training and professional development opportunities.

Inspiring Voices of Women in Sports

During the panel discussion, several influential women shared their experiences and career challenges:

  • Glenda Aguilar – Coach at the Cape Verdean Athletics Federation, spoke about the barriers to accessing training and licensing.
  • Aylin Pires – International basketball player, shared her struggles with building a sports career in Cabo Verde.
  • Carla Miranda – Sports coordinator in Tarrafal de Santiago, discussed the structural and financial challenges affecting women’s sports.

The panelists emphasized the importance of mentoring support and network building, which can significantly boost women’s careers in sports. The key message was the need for systemic support and local community involvement in developing women’s sports.

What’s Next? Future Plans

The event in Tarrafal de Santiago was a significant milestone in the FEMCoach project, but it is just the halfway point! Ahead are new challenges, including:

  • Recruitment for the FEMCoach course, which will provide participants with certified coaching skills.
  • International seminars and webinars, allowing for the exchange of best practices and inspiration from different countries.
  • National training sessions, planned for the end of 2026, which will strengthen local structures and increase the number of qualified female coaches in Europe.

The next FEMCoach meeting will take place in October 2025 in Greece, marking the start of the project’s decisive implementation phase.

Building the Future of Women in Sports

The FEMCoach project is not just about training and workshops, but about building a community of female coaches who support each other in career development. Through international collaboration and the exchange of experiences, we are creating a space for real change in women’s sports.

Stay tuned for more updates on the project!

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. 

Read also!