Education and Training for Inclusion in Team Sports Using Football as an Example in Liechtenstein

Football connects – and this is exactly where the new coach training programme by Football is more in Liechtenstein begins.

With the Education and Training for Inclusion in Team Sports Using Football as an Example, a practical and comprehensive training opportunity was created to empower coaches to guide and support people with and without impairments together on the pitch – and to anchor inclusion sustainably within their clubs.

The programme was conducted in close cooperation with the Liechtenstein office for sports and the Liechtensteiner Fussballverband (LFV) and co-funded by the Guido Feger Stiftung.

The main goal of the training was to equip local and regional coaches with the knowledge and tools to make their club structures more inclusive and to actively integrate people with impairments into club life.

Through this, Football is more has taken a significant step towards promoting inclusion in and through football in Liechtenstein and the surrounding region.

Theory and Practice – Learning with Head, Heart and Hands

The programme combined theoretical knowledge, reflection, and practical sessions on the pitch.

Theoretical component

Under the guidance of Fritz Quien (VfB Stuttgart – Brustring der Herzen) and Cengiz Bicer, participants explored how to understand inclusion as both an attitude and an educational approach within team sports.

They addressed questions such as:

- How can football serve as a tool for social participation?

- How can training sessions be prepared and adapted so that every player – regardless of ability – can actively participate?

- What defines a strong and inclusive team culture, and how can it be developed?

Theoretical inputs also covered communication with parents and families, building supportive club structures, and organising inclusive match days.Particular emphasis was placed on planning and reviewing training sessions, ensuring that coaches can effectively respond to individual needs and promote progress for all participants.

Practical component

The practical part brought theory to life through direct implementation on the pitch. Coaches learned how to design engaging and adaptable exercises that promote movement, joy, and team spirit for everyone.

- On the first day, the participants trained together with the Team for People with Impairments of FC St. Gallen – an inspiring exchange that connected theory with real experience.

- On the second day, practical sessions followed with the Brunau Stiftung, Special Olympics Liechtenstein and Wir am Kumma from Vorarlberg.

These sessions showed in a tangible way how inclusion works on the pitch – through flexibility, mutual support, and genuine encounters.

In addition, Markus Kummer contributed the Jugend+Sport, component, meaning the course is officially recognised as a license renewal.

Diverse participants – inclusion in practice

Among the participants were coaches from:

- Special Olympics Liechtenstein,

- regional football clubs such as USV Eschen-Mauren, FC Triesenberg, FC Ruggell, SC Brühl St. Gallen, Liechtensteiner Fussballverband (LFV) and FC Schaan,

- as well as coaches from other sports such as hockey, tennis, and athletics.

This diversity fostered valuable discussions and perspectives across sports. Together, the group explored how inclusion can be lived not only on the pitch but throughout club life – through cooperation, openness, and shared learning.

A milestone for Liechtenstein and the region

With the Education and Training for Inclusion in Team Sports Using Football as an Example, an important milestone has been set for establishing inclusion as an integral part of sport in Liechtenstein.Participants left the training with new competencies, practical tools, and a strengthened mindset – ready to make sport for all a reality in their clubs.

A heartfelt thank-you to all partners, instructors, organisations, and participants who made this important step possible.