ICOACHGIRLS+ Project to further Strengthen Girls’ Participation and Women’s Coaching in Sport Across Europe
Posted on 22nd January 2026
Sport Ireland has officially launched ICOACHGIRLS+ (ICG+), a three-year Erasmus+ Sport project running from January 2026 to December 2028, aimed at increasing adolescent girls’ participation in sport and strengthening pathways for women in coaching across Europe.
Launched at the project’s kick-off meeting in Dublin on 22 January 2026, ICOACHGIRLS+ builds on the success of the original ICOACHGIRLS project by extending the age range, deepening the research base, and working with new European partners. The project will support girls aged 12–16 and women coaches aged 16–24, while also enhancing the competence and confidence of experienced female coaches.
Michael McGeehin, Director of Coaching at Sport Ireland, said: “Building on the strong foundations of ICOACHGIRLS, ICOACHGIRLS+ turns learning into lasting change for girls and women in sport. Sport Ireland is delighted to lead this important collaboration with our European partners.”
Sport Ireland leads the project in collaboration with a consortium of European delivery and development partners, working together to promote inclusive, girl-centred coaching environments and sustainable change across the sport sector - Sport Coaching Europe, Confédération Européenne de Volleyball, Hungarian Coaching Association, Deutsche Sportjugend im Deutschen Olympischen Sportbund, FIBA and Special Olympics.
Key project activities include new research on barriers and motivations for girls and Gen Z women in coaching, the delivery of 25 activity centres across partner countries, the engagement of 750 girls, and the education and mentoring of 150 apprentice coaches supported by 50 experienced head coaches. Girls’ Youth Voice Councils will play a central role in shaping project design and delivery.
ICOACHGIRLS+ will develop practical guides, activity centre guidelines, and hybrid and e-learning coaching courses, alongside a robust evaluation framework. Project outcomes will be shared through digital platforms, social media, targeted advocacy, and three international multiplier events in Dublin (2026), Budapest (2027), and Frankfurt (2028).
For more information about the project and upcoming activities, stay tuned at www.icoachkids.org
Disclaimer
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.
