This week’s Erasmus+ coach shadowing project in Amsterdam for 10 Irish grassroots coaches has been “impactful” and “eye-opening”.
Applications closed in June for the European Commission-funded initiative focused on coach education and inclusion in the Republic of Ireland.
Four months later, the October 5th-10th trip has proven invaluable in the upskilling of Irish coaches.
The aim is to strengthen grassroots development in the hope that they will return to their clubs and assist in building sustainable, inclusive participation programmes.
Jenny Dillion, the 2024 Squash Ireland coach of the year award winner, travelled to the Netherlands with the 10 coaches and they have been working with Rich King, a renowned and respected figure in European squash coaching.
On the Leargas-backed course, the grassroots coaches have been given real-world examples of inclusive programmes.
These include practical tools to support women in sport initiatives, teen and youth development ideas, and programmes for the elderly, LGBTQ+, rural communities and refugee/asylum seekers.
