About ICOACHGIRLS+

ICOACHGIRLS+ meets a clear need. First, research and existing programmes show that not enough of the focus is on adolescent girls, with much attention being on younger years (5-11). While these years are important for providing a foundation of  physical activity, youth sport drop out among girls in adolescence is still a big issue. 

Moreover, not enough is known about the needs and wants of the new generation (Z and Alpha) adolescent girls in  relation to being physically active. For example, the influence of social media and external  influencers may play a much bigger role than in previous generations. Finally, not enough is known  about how to identify, recruit and train the potential new generation (generation Z) of female  coaches. ICOACHGIRLS+ will aim to close all these gaps through the following specific objectives and goals.

OBJECTIVE 1: INCREASING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT AMONGST ADOLESCENT (12-16  YEARS) GIRLS

ICG+ aims to promote and increase the physical activity levels of adolescent girls (age 12-16)  across Europe. It will do so through the creation of activity centres in local communities, delivered  by 5 partner organisations. The centres are aimed at girls who fall into one of three categories: 

1) have never taken part in organised sport 

2) have tried but dropped out 

3) currently participate but are on the verge of dropping out. 

Each centre  will be staffed by 2 experienced head coaches, and 6 apprentice coaches. A core part of the activity centres will be the voice of the girls, to allow them to co-create the centres  with their coaches, to create an experience which is meaningful and relevant for them. To support this, each partner will set up a girls ‘youth council’ involving girls within the target age. This council will be set up at the start of the project and consulted throughout the project lifespan – for example, in the initial research phase, the creation of activity materials, in designing specific activities for centres and in the feedback and evaluation phase.

OBJECTIVE 1 TARGETS:

- 15 girls aged 12-16 to be part of girls’ voice council (3 per delivery partner)
- 25 activity centres, delivered by 6 partners (5 centres each)
- 50 adolescent girls attending the centres (30 per centre)
- 250 activity sessions delivered
- 95% satisfaction among girls and parents
- 50% of the girls feel inspired to remain physically active beyond ICG+

OBJECTIVE 2: INCREASING THE NUMBER, COMPETENCE AND CONFIDENCE OF  GENERATION Z FEMALE COACHES (AGES 16-24) AND THE COMPETENCE AND CONFIDENCE OF OLDER FEMALE COACHES TO LEAD PROGRAMMES.

ICG+ also aims to address the lack of female coaches, specifically focusing on Generation Z  (ages 16-24). By focusing on this age group, we will ensure that we are focusing on the 
contemporary needs of younger generations, aiming to ensure the longevity of the work produced.  Moreover, there is a current lack of research and practical work which specifically focuses on this  generation. ICG+ will conduct primary and secondary research into the needs of this generation and create a specific coaching course bespoke to their needs. Apprentice coaches will be recruited and trained and paired with experienced coaches to support their coaching journey.

OBJECTIVE 2 TARGETS

 - 50 experienced head coaches to run and oversee the activity centres
- 150 apprentice coaches (women aged 16-24) to complete the coach education course and be deployed on the activity centres (6 per centre)
- Each head coach to mentor 3 apprentice coaches and offer bespoke support and guidance
- 95% satisfaction among all coaches related to the coach education
- 95% satisfaction among all coaches related to activity centre delivery
- 80% of apprentice coaches increase their perceived competence and confidence in coaching
- 50% of app