ICOACHKIDS, in partnership with Hockey Slovakia and the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE), played a key role in delivering the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Coaching Conference in Bratislava on Monday 27 April.
The conference brought together over 250 coaches from across the ice hockey community and beyond, united by the theme “Coaching the Next Generation: Creating Environments Where Players Thrive.” The event focused on supporting coaches with evidence‑informed ideas and practical strategies to help young people enjoy, remain in, and benefit from sport.
A series of expert-led sessions explored how positive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate coaching environments can be created in youth sport:
Dr Sergio Lara‑Bercial, Director of ICOACHKIDS, opened with a global perspective in his presentation, “The Global Youth Sport Landscape: The Role of ICOACHKIDS in Helping Kids Stay in Sport.” His session highlighted the challenges facing youth sport participation worldwide and reinforced the importance of putting children’s needs, rights, and experiences at the centre of coaching practice.
Vicki Guy delivered a practical and reflective session titled “Theory into Practice: How to Create an Inclusive Coaching Space?” Drawing on research and real‑world examples, she explored how coaches can intentionally design environments where all young people feel welcome, valued, and supported.
Vladislav Bespomoshchnov brought the ICOACHKIDS Pledge to life within an ice hockey context. In his session, “The Ice Rink Is Our Canvas: Bringing the Ideas to Life in an Ice Hockey Context,” he demonstrated how player‑centred principles can be embedded into everyday coaching behaviours on the rink.
Gary Hodgson concluded the programme with “Inspiring the Next Generation of Youth Sport Participants and Coaches,” focusing on the role coaches play not only in developing young athletes, but also in shaping future coaches and leaders within sport.
ICOACHKIDS would like to extend its sincere thanks to all coaches in attendance for their time, passion, and curiosity, which were evident throughout the conference. Their willingness to engage, reflect, and learn continues to drive positive change in youth sport.
Special thanks are also extended to Nicolas Struhar and Igor Andrejkovic for their outstanding planning, leadership, and inspiration in bringing the event together. Their commitment was instrumental in delivering a successful and impactful conference.
Events such as the IIHF Coaching Conference reinforce ICOACHKIDS’ mission to ensure that sport is a positive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate experience for every child, regardless of ability or background.
