ICOACHKIDS is delighted to announce the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on strengthening collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in youth sport and physical activity.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations, united by a shared commitment to creating positive, inclusive, and child-centred sporting experiences for children and young people.
Through this partnership, ICOACHKIDS and the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation will work together to build stronger connections between researchers and practitioners involved in physical activity, sport, and disability sport. By fostering greater collaboration, both organisations aim to ensure that research, evidence, and practical experience can be more effectively translated into meaningful outcomes for young participants.
The Memorandum of Understanding outlines several key objectives, including:
- Creating stronger links and higher levels of cooperation between researchers and practitioners working in physical activity, sport, and disability sport involving children and young people.
- Cooperating and sharing information, expertise, and resources for the benefit of both organisations and their respective networks.
- Exploring innovative approaches to delivering content, education, and resources that support shared goals.
- Building a stronger platform to promote child-centred coaching and participation in sport.
- Supporting each other's activities and engagement with governmental and non-governmental organisations.
- Identifying synergies between the two organisations and making effective use of the opportunities and resources available across their networks.
Speaking about the agreement, Dr. Gary Hodgson, Secretary of the ICOACHKIDS Global Movement Committee said: "The partnership reflects the shared vision of ICOACHKIDS and the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation to promote quality coaching, inclusive participation, and evidence-informed practice across all levels of youth sport. By combining expertise, resources, and networks, the two organisations aim to create new opportunities for learning, development, and positive impact within the sporting community. Most importantly, it demonstrates a shared commitment to put kids first in youth sport".
Nicolas Struhar, Director of the department of methodics and education at the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation said: "At the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation, we believe that the future of coach education lies in strong international collaboration and in connecting research with everyday coaching practice. Partnering with ICOACHKIDS is an important step towards creating better learning opportunities for coaches and supporting environments where children can develop not only as athletes, but also as people. We are excited to share knowledge, learn from each other, and work together on initiatives that will help promote child-centred coaching and contribute to the long-term development of youth sport."
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding represents an exciting milestone and lays the foundation for future joint initiatives, projects, educational activities, and knowledge-sharing opportunities that will benefit coaches, practitioners, researchers, and most importantly, children and young people participating in sport.
