G.E.O.S – Gender Equal Opportunities in Sports is a European cooperation project aimed at strengthening gender equality within sports organisations. The project is funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme and coordinated by Finlands Svenska Idrott (FSI).
Although gender equality is widely recognised as an important value in sport, research and experience show that equal opportunities are not yet fully realised in many sports organisations. The G.E.O.S project seeks to address this by supporting organisations in moving from principles to concrete actions.
Through training, knowledge exchange and practical tools, participating organisations will receive support in developing and implementing Equality Action Plans within their own structures and activities.
The project duration is from 1.1.2026-31.12.2027.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the project is to strengthen gender equality in sport by developing practical tools and methods that can support sports organisations across Europe.
The project aims to:
- develop a training programme on gender equality in sport
- support sports organisations in creating and implementing Equality Action Plans
- increase knowledge and awareness of gender equality among decision-makers and staff in sports organisations
- develop a model that can continue to be used after the project ends
- share good practices and recommendations for gender equality in sport governance
KEY ACTIVITIES
During the project, a training programme on gender equality in sport will be developed and tested.
The programme targets individuals within sports organisations who can influence organisational practices, such as:
- decision-makers
- staff members
- coaches
- managers
- volunteers
The training combines theoretical knowledge with practical reflection and organisational development. Participating organisations will be supported in identifying development needs and creating concrete actions for improving gender equality in their activities.
The training programme will be tested through pilot activities in the participating countries.
Pilot organisations
As part of the project, sports organisations will be invited to participate in the pilot phase.
Participating organisations will:
- take part in the gender equality training programme
- receive support in developing their own Equality Action Plans
- exchange experiences with other organisations participating in the project
The pilot activities will help evaluate and further improve the training programme before it is shared more widely.
Training of Trainers
The project will also organise a Training of Trainers (ToT) process. Through this activity, local trainers will be trained to deliver the programme in their national contexts.
This approach helps ensure that the knowledge and tools developed in the project can continue to be used and disseminated even after the project ends.
PARTNERS
- Finlands Svenska Idrott (FSI), Finland – Project coordinator
- University of Malta (UM), Malta
- Associação de Futebol de Bragança (BFA), Portugal
- CUS Padova – Centro Universitario Sportivo Padova, Italy
FUNDING
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.