We are pleased to present the completion of our Erasmus+ project "KA210-YOU," which was implemented in close collaboration with MŠK Námestovo from Slovakia. The goal of this innovative Erasmus+ project was to develop and test training and educational programs for the inclusion of youth with disabilities in team sports, enabling them to participate in club life and, thus, to engage in society.
Project Idea:
The fundamental project idea arose from the desire of MŠK Námestovo to embrace its social responsibility as a football club and to include youth with disabilities in its teams and activities. To support this important step towards inclusion, a handbook was developed to motivate and assist coaches, youth workers, and club officials in professionally accommodating youth with disabilities in the club and training them effectively and competently.
As part of the project, we conducted a comprehensive needs analysis within the club involving coaches, players, parents, and club staff to identify the specific requirements of people with disabilities in sports and the needs of the club. Based on these insights, a curriculum was collaboratively developed and tested, which forms the basis of our handbook. This now consists of an impressive 130 pages, divided into six modules, and offers a variety of resources, including:
Fundamental knowledge for inclusion in team sports
Practical examples from club activities
Training tips and best practices
Specific skills and exercises
Strategies for team development and inclusion
Materials for raising awareness and training for coaches, youth workers, and parents
The European values of inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities have been at the center of our efforts from the very beginning. Our foundation and MŠK Námestovo aim to break down barriers and enable youth with disabilities to participate in club life at all levels of the organization. With the publication and provision of this handbook, the club will not only make significant progress towards becoming an inclusive football club but also take on a leadership role in Slovakia.
Our successful collaboration will be further strengthened by the provision of our results on the Erasmus+ Projects Results Platform. We are confident that this handbook will represent a valuable resource for numerous sports clubs in Europe that are also committed to promoting inclusion and diversity in team sports.
We sincerely thank Erasmus+ and the European Union for the funding and support of the project, as well as all other stakeholders for their commitment and assistance in this significant process. Together, we have taken a crucial step towards a more inclusive society – and we look forward to the positive changes this will bring for many youth with and without disabilities.
Project Information:
Project Name: Erasmus+ KA-210 YOU – Development and Testing of Training and Education for the Inclusion of Youth with Disabilities in Team Sports
Cooperation Countries: Liechtenstein and Slovakia
Cooperation Partners: FOOTBALL IS MORE Foundation and MŠK Námestovo
Funding: Erasmus+ (European Union)
Handbook Length: Approximately 130 pages with 6 modules
Target Group: Coaches, trainers, youth workers, club officials
Content: Basic knowledge, methods, training tips, skills, and examples
Information: Publication of the handbook on the Erasmus+ PRP: February 2025
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