European Training for Multipliers: Fostering Inclusion and Reconciliation through Grassroots Sports

The Erasmus+ funded project "Sport Zajedno - promoting social inclusion and reconciliation through grassroots sports in the Western Balkans” hosted the European Training for Multipliers in Belgrade from November 15-17, 2024. Organized by NGO ATINA (Serbia) with partners Fairplay Initiative-VIDC (Austria), NK Zagreb 041 (Croatia), Igrajmo Zajedno Inicijativa – IZI (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Youth Initiative for Human Rights (Montenegro), and Girls Soccer Club Prishtina (Kosovo*), the event gathered 28 coaches, educators, and youth workers to learn practical methods for fostering gender equality, inclusion, and reconciliation through sport.

Zorana Parezanović, organizer on behalf of ATINA, emphasized the project's importance: "This project is vital because it connects different communities through sport, providing an opportunity to promote equality and reconciliation through inclusive sports activities. Through this training, participants acquire new methods and become key multipliers who will contribute to positive changes in their communities."

The training spanned three days, focusing on equipping participants with tools to organize inclusive sports events and promote community understanding. On day one, participants were introduced to the project’s objectives and the role of sport in addressing social challenges, followed by presentations on the historical context of the Western Balkans and successful examples of inclusive sports events. Day two was centered on practical workshops where participants learned how to plan and organize inclusive sports events, identify target groups, and map community resources. Through the group work, participants had a chance to develop ideas for local events with guidance from mentors. The evening included a guided tour of Belgrade, fostering networking and collaboration among participants.

Participants refined their event plans on the final day, with each group presenting their ideas for inclusive sports activities. The training concluded with a discussion on future steps, including ongoing online mentoring to support participants as they implement their plans.

Maša Marković, a Multiplier from Vranje, football player and referee, shared her impression of the training: "The training was fantastic! We had the opportunity to meet and connect with colleagues from other countries, exchanging experiences and ideas. The most impactful part for me was the practical part of the training, where we had the chance to design our own sports events to contribute to inclusion and mutual understanding in our local communities."

The training received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants praising the objectives' clarity, the trainers' engagement, and the materials' practical usefulness. All participants felt prepared to apply what they learned in their communities. Some suggested more time for exploring the city and improved sports facilities, but overall, the event was a great success. It achieved its goal of strengthening participants’ abilities to organize inclusive sports events, fostering lasting change in the region through grassroots sports initiatives.