The European Train the Trainer event focussing on the integration of refugees took place in Berlin, Germany on 7 December. The event gathered coaches and trainers from grassroot organisations and FA’s to discuss how sport coaching can be used as a methodology for refugee integration.

The INSPIRE4All – Integration through Sport and Inclusion for Refugees in Europe for all initiated by Fare network in partnership of Champions ohne Grenzen and Polisportiva San Precario, funded by the European Commission ended with a conference attended by delegates from more than 15 European countries

The 1-year project focused on increasing participation of refugees in local sport activities and increase the potential for host communities to positively engage with refugees through different sports. The final meeting ‘Train the trainer’ further presented the project results and empowered coaches to be an agent for change.

The 1-day event in Berlin covered key discussions on grassroot and national level. Specific workshops allowed coaches to share experience on inclusive sport sessions, supporting refugees to become coaches and how to overcome barriers in engaging refugees in their host countries. Practical tools such as ‘INSPIRE toolkit version 2’ were presented allowing the different delegates to offer help where needed.

Delegates from the Irish FA, Belgian FA, European Commission and grassroot organisations in both Belgium, Netherlands and Germany and many other countries participated in an engaging agenda where good practices were shared and acknowledged.