Context/Background of ProjectThe BPESC project aimed to adapt the existing 1st4Sport Level 1 Award in the Principles of Coaching Sport by proposing a new qualification which incorporated an emphasis on sports coaching on a European level. This was through the creation of a unit called ‘Best Practices in European Sports Coaching.’ The new unit has learning outcomes and criteria in line with ECVET methodology. Results of the Project The three principal objectives/results we have achieved: - Best Practices in European Sports coaching ECVET-based unit - Positive change in the personal and professional development of both participants and staff - Renewed attitudes towards sports coaching in Europe Number and Profile of ParticipantsOur project was primarily aimed at non/low-qualified young people with an interest in sports or sports coaching. Our focus was on recruitment of women due to disparities between the number of women and men engaged in all levels of sports and sports coaching.The project involved a series of five pilot courses (10 students per course) in each of the five partner countries, resulting in a total number of fifty learners. Description of ActivitiesIntellectual Outputs: The project produced three Intellectual Outputs:1. Transnational Reports and Guide for European Sports Coaches2. Development of Best Practices in European Sports Coaching unit3. EuroCoach Platform Transnational Project Meetings: The project included five transnational project meetings, involving representatives from each partner organisation in Dublin, Ireland; Marseille, France; Brighton, UK; Seville, Spain; Amsterdam, Netherlands.Pilot Course: We piloted the new Best Practices in European Sports Coaching unit integrated into a sports coaching course or in the form of a workshop for 50 participants. Multiplier Events: Each of the project partners hosted a Multiplier Event to showcase the project activities, results and outcomes of the project to our key target groups and stakeholders with an interest in sports or sports coaching. Each ME achieved attendance of at least 50 participants. Methodology: Our methodology was transnational, multi-disciplinary, and European in its approach. For the course development as part of Intellectual Output 2, we employed an ECVET-based approach to ensure potential for transferability and clarity of learning aims – not only across different coaching qualifications but European countries too. Methodology for project management areas was also planned in advance of the project to facilitate financial management, risk prevention, evaluation, monitoring, etc. Key impacts included: Learners – development of key skills specific to sports coaching and an array of soft skills including teamwork, communication and time management. These will improve learners’ sense of confidence and increase their employability holistically. Partners – Increased awareness of sports coaching; exchange of knowledge and best practice on an equal and mutually beneficial basis; establishment as a training provider recognised by Europe-wide systems by the adoption of EU tools and ECVET principles; continued professional development of staff including foreign language competencies.Target groups – increased opportunities for marginalised groups to undertake vocational training, thus increasing their professional prospects and easing entry into employment. Redressing the gender balance within sports coachingStakeholders – through sharing our results, we anticipate efforts to integrate either the unit or its materials/themes (gender equality; accessibility; social inclusion; community role) further in sports coaching qualifications, particularly entry level. Longer-term benefits The partnership aims to continue the development of activities, outcomes and impact after Erasmus+ funding has ended. This will be in the form of continued engagement through the EuroCoach Platform, hosting materials generated by the project and wider dissemination through partner networks. We expect that the promotion of results and, in particular, the unit will lead to recognition and accreditation as an innovative addition to existing coaching qualifications. The methodology and wider goals of the project could continue as part of a follow-up Erasmus+ application in the area of tennis coaching, should it prove successful.