May 2025 with ISG: Sport that Promotes Values, Responsibility, and Education
May was a month full of action for the Institute for Sport Governance (ISG), demonstrating how sport can be a real force for social change—from supporting women in sport and promoting environmental education, to implementing principles of good governance. It was also a time to strengthen relationships with young sport leaders and deepen analysis on athletes’ social protection. Here’s a summary of the key events and initiatives from the past few weeks.
FEMCoach: Supporting Women in Sport Across Europe
On May 12–13, we participated in the international project meeting of FEMCoach, including a seminar on the situation of female coaches in Cabo Verde. Though our team joined remotely, we actively engaged in the discussion on the key challenges facing women in sport.
The FEMCoach project addresses the need to increase women’s participation in sport and to support their professional development as coaches. During the event, project partners presented a manual and educational resources forming the basis of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Several barriers faced by women in partner countries were identified—from lack of infrastructure and systemic inequalities to cultural stereotypes.
The event reinforced that creating space for women in sport requires education, collaboration, and local engagement. Next steps include course recruitment, webinars, international seminars, and national trainings—and we’re ready to keep going!
11th “Youth in Sport” Conference: A Gateway to Insight and Networking
On May 13, we took part in the 11th National Scientific Conference “Youth in Sport”, organized by Jagiellonian University, under the honorary patronage of ISG. The event was an excellent opportunity to meet young sport enthusiasts who aspire to shape the future of sport as managers, analysts, coaches, and change-makers.
Speakers included Michał Peterman, Paulina Maj-Erwardt, Adam Targowski, Igor Woźniak, and Artur Kurzawa. Their talks offered unique perspectives on sport—as a tool for building personal brands, promoting social inclusion, and fostering career development.
The conference confirmed that education and cross-sector dialogue are key to professionalizing sport in Poland.
ECOS N2K: Sport and Nature Conservation Go Hand in Hand
May was also a month of preparations for the second training session of the ECOS N2K project (Environmental Conservation Opportunities and Sport in Natura 2000 Sites), taking place in June. This initiative responds to the growing need to combine sport with ecological education.
Our goal is to equip coaches, teachers, and local leaders with tools to conduct sport activities in harmony with nature. The example of the Puck Bay and Hel Peninsula shows that it’s possible to engage in sports in ecologically valuable areas—with the right knowledge, awareness, and planning.
If you’re a coach, teacher, or local social leader—don’t miss out! Sign up for the free training: https://forms.gle/UXEzUoGyDEQthKQNA
UEFA Europa Conference League 2025: Sport with Ethics and Responsibility
The UEFA Europa Conference League final, held in Wrocław, was not only a football celebration but also an example of applying the best practices outlined in the European Social Charter for Sport Events—a document co-developed by ISG.
Our representatives contributed to the event’s organization, supporting areas such as Fans Mobility, Last Kilometers, and Fan Festival (where we organized football activities for fans).
The involvement of local volunteers, commitment to accessibility, care for the environment, and promotion of diversity proved that sporting events can be both professionally managed and socially responsible.
ACTION+: Good Governance in Practice
In May, we continued working on the ACTION+ project, which aims to promote good governance in European sports organizations. During a workshop in Vilnius, hosted by the Lithuanian National Sports Agency, participants tested educational scenarios developed within the project.
Twenty Lithuanian sports federations came together to discuss what “Good Governance” means in their contexts. The discussions focused on transparency, ethics, systematic planning, and accountability—values ISG has championed from the beginning.
SOPROS: Researching Social Protection for Athletes
In May, we carried out research activities for the SOPROS project, which focuses on evaluating the social protection of elite athletes. We invited both athletes and representatives of supporting organizations to complete an anonymous survey that will help us develop recommendations to strengthen the social rights of Polish athletes.
Coordinated by the German Sport University Cologne, the project aims to better understand athletes’ access to insurance, healthcare, maternity support, and pensions. The ultimate goal is to create tools and a handbook to support systemic improvements.
Summary
May has shown us that real change in sport happens when knowledge, values, and action come together. Through our projects and partnerships—from Cabo Verde to Vilnius and Wrocław—we are building a sport world that is more inclusive, professional, and responsible.
Thank you to all partners, experts, and participants who were part of our activities in May. We’re entering June with even more energy!
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