Coach Education and Training for Inclusion in Team Sports – Using Football as an Example, in Partnership with the Beisheim Foundation

At FIM, we are committed to creating opportunities for people with and without impairments to play, learn, and grow together through sport. Sport is more than just training and competition – it is a powerful tool for promoting social inclusion, building confidence, and strengthening communities. Our coach education programmes are a key part of this mission: they equip sports enthusiasts to lead teams professionally, adapt exercises to different skill levels, and actively foster inclusion in everyday club life.

Thanks to the generous support of the Beisheim Foundation, we have already trained numerous coaches and supervisors. Each programme is highly practical and based on the experience that sustainable inclusion in team sports only works when coaches have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to guide diverse teams successfully.

Our vision goes far beyond individual courses: we aim to establish a long-term presence in the Romandy, Ticino, and German-speaking regions of Switzerland, reaching as many coaches as possible. Our goal is to give them the opportunity to continuously develop their skills, share their knowledge with clubs, and increase the number of clubs where people with impairments can actively train and play.

Having trained staff in football and other team sports clubs not only creates access for more people but also fosters lasting change in the sporting landscape. We want inclusion to become a natural part of every club, not just a one-off project.

We sincerely thank the Beisheim Foundation for their support and shared vision. Together, we will continue to offer numerous coach education programmes, empower trainers, and advance inclusion across Switzerland – for a sporting world where everyone has the opportunity to participate, play, and grow.