The presentation of the European action SheCOACH in Greece, with the aim of gender equality in coaching

The SheCOACH: Gender Equality in Coaching is an Erasmus Sport project, funded by the European Union and implemented in Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Spain from 02/01/2024 to 30/10/2026, seeking to contribute to gender equality in coaching and more broadly in sport, while promoting the participation of women in coaching education, especially in the field of basketball.

Participation in the project’s online informational event SheCOACH reached 90, mainly members of SEPC from all parts of Greece and coaches working abroad.

During the conference, the results of the research carried out as part of the project in Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Spain, during the period April-June 2024, were presented. The aim of the research was to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness regarding the gender equality in sport & coaching and exploring needs for gender mainstreaming in coaching curricula, particularly in the field of basketball. The results of the research formed the basis for the drafting of a report of recommendations to sports training providers, as well as for the development of the online training program SheCOACH.

How we perceive gender equality in coaching at SheCOACH:

• It concerns the fair and equal treatment of individuals, regardless of gender, within the sports coaching profession.
• The SheCOACH project focuses on gender equality for women, in this case female coaches.
• Gender equality in coaching includes aspects related to equal opportunities, support and inclusion, equal pay and access to resources, equal representation and fair and balanced media coverage, as well as the elimination of prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination (see also dealing with sexism).

The conference also included a discussion panel, with the participation of professors who commented on the results of the research and shared their views regarding gender equality in coaching:

• Dr. Polyxeni (Xenia) Argitaki. Associate Professor of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science (TEFAA) at the National and Kapodistrian Universities of Athens – Member of the Development and Cooperation Committee for the period 2024-2028 of the European Olympic Academies (EOA) – Member of the Hellenic Olympic Academy (ETHN.OA) – Member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Hellenic Gymnastics Sports Associations (S.E.G.A.S.).
• Dr. Vassiliki Derris. Professor and President of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science (TEFAA) of the Democritus University of Thrace (D.P.Th.)
• Dr. Vangelis Kontaxakis. Vice Principal Research & Innovation of Metropolitan College – Thessaloniki Campus Director – Prof. professor at the School of Sports Sciences & Physical Education.
• Dr. Asterios Patsiaouras. Special Educational Staff of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science (TEFAA) of the University of Thessaly – First Vice-President of the Association of Greek Volleyball Coaches (S.E.P.E.) – President of the Association of Volleyball Associations of Central Greece (E.S.PE.K.EL.).
• Dr. Styliani (Ani) Chroni. Professor of Sports Psychology & Coaching, Inland Norway University – Fellow, Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP, USA) – Executive Board Member, WomenSport International – Technical Delegate, International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS).

The participants shared their experiences in coaching and were also informed about the Capacity Development Program of SheCOACHwhich in a few months will be available online for distance learning. The participant’s comment, taking stock of the conference, is indicative SheCOACH: “Warm congratulations for organizing the conference. It is very important for all of us coaches who are involved in the sport we love so much and practice on a daily basis, to know that we have by our side people who care about us and who are trying with us to bring positive changes to our working environment”.

The results of his research SheCOACHreport of recommendations and the description of the Capacity Development Program (e-courses) are available on the project website Social Media SheCOACH resources: &