Multiplier events

The Raising Awareness Campaign under the Mind the Gap project brought attention to a critical yet often overlooked topic: the impact of hormonal changes on physical performance and how tailored training can support young girls aged 12-18. Our target group mostly aged 14-18.  Conducted in Serbia, the campaign aimed to educate both male and female audiences—on the unique needs of adolescent girls during physical activity, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and understanding approach to fitness and well-being.

The campaign’s primary goal was to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding hormonal fluctuations and their influence on girls’ physical performance. Through engaging workshops, interactive presentations, and live demonstrations, participants were introduced to research-based insights and practical strategies for developing supportive training routines.

Key topics included:

• The physiological changes occurring during adolescence and how these affect endurance, strength, and recovery.
• Common myths and misconceptions about young girls’ physical abilities.
• Best practices for structuring workouts that respect and align with girls’ hormonal cycles.

The campaign was warmly received in Serbia, where it sparked meaningful conversations among educators, parents, and sports professionals. Attendees appreciated the focus on breaking stigmas and encouraging collaboration between genders to create a supportive environment for young girls.

In the seminars we organized for coaches and participants on the physical and emotional effects of the menstrual cycle on sports, we focused on breaking down participants’ existing taboos on the subject and provided informative content.

We observed that cultural differences posed significant challenges in this regard.

Our seminars aimed to raise awareness by offering participants both scientific and practical knowledge.

Feedback received after the events revealed that participants’ knowledge on the topic had increased and that the information provided was beneficial to them.

Our raising awareness campaign focused on educating young people, especially girls about menstrual health, recognizing its importance for sports performance and well-being of female athletes . We conducted ten interactive workshops in local high schools and in our community in Czechia, where we talked about the project and its mission with local teenagers. The workshops included interactive presentations and discussions to help to combat stigmas and to promote understanding. Feedback was positive, with participants appreciating the valuable knowledge gained. Our goal is to empower girls to take control of their menstrual health and ensure they can pursue their sports dreams confidently.

First Girls’ Football Training under “Mind the Gap”

The first training session for girls’ football under the “Mind the Gap” project was a great start. 22 girls joined the session, supported by 3 trainers and 1 volunteer. This project helps girls overcome challenges in sports and build their confidence. The training went well, and everyone was excited to continue.

Project Presentation at II High School in Starogard Gdańsk

We held a presentation about the “Mind the Gap” project at II High School in Starogard Gdańsk. Around 75 people attended, including students, teachers, the school director, and our volunteers. We shared details about the project and its goals, and the audience, both male and female, showed great interest in how it supports young girls in sports.

Football Training with Young Girls and Volunteers

In this training session, 7 young girls practiced football with the help of 8 international volunteers and 2 trainers. The volunteers not only assisted the trainers but also joined the girls in playing, creating a fun and supportive environment. This event was part of the ongoing effort to encourage young girls to participate in sports and build their confidence.

Girls’ Football Training Led by a Volunteer

In this training session, one of our female volunteers took the lead, conducting 50% of the session after learning about the project and consulting with the trainer. This opportunity allowed her to apply her skills while supporting the 15 young girls participating. It was a valuable experience for both the volunteer and the girls, promoting leadership and confidence in sports.

Meeting with Trainers, Volunteers, and Players

A meeting was held between the first team’s trainers (1), volunteers (7), and players (7) to discuss the various aspects and goals of the “Mind the Gap” project. The trainer, who was fully involved in the project’s activities, shared his experiences and insights, along with some valuable tips. This meeting helped everyone understand the project’s objectives and fostered a collaborative environment for future training sessions.

Volunteer Feedback Session with Coordinator and Trainer

In the final event, volunteers (11) provided feedback to their coordinator (1) and the trainer (1) about the activities they participated in with the girls and the overall project. They shared their experiences and discussed the materials prepared by our organization. This session helped gather valuable insights to improve future activities and ensured that volunteers felt involved and heard.

Project Coordinator’s Visit to Girls’ Football Training

The project coordinator from Serbia (1) visited one of our girls’ football training sessions. During the session, they observed the training, talked to the players (12), and shared helpful advice with the coaches and volunteers. The visit was a great way to connect with our international partners and get new ideas to improve the training. The girls were excited to meet someone from another country, and the event helped strengthen the project and its impact.

Summary of the Girls’ Football Training Campaign

Sport Club Beniaminek 03 has taken a pioneering step by forming the first-ever girls’ football team in Starogard Gdański. The “Mind the Gap” project has been a transformative boost for our club, providing valuable insights into the unique physical and psychological needs of girls in sports. This project equipped our coaches and volunteers with effective tools and strategies that significantly enhanced the quality of our training sessions. Through these events, our trainers gained a deeper understanding of how to support and encourage young female athletes, which was a crucial improvement given the challenges girls often face in joining sports traditionally dominated by men, like football. The positive impact of this knowledge has been evident in the growth of our team, both in numbers and in the overall skill level of our players. These training sessions and meetings, characterized by enthusiastic participation and supportive environments, attracted a wide audience, including families, students, teachers, and even local municipality members. The involvement of the community underscored the importance of these events, which not only fostered a sense of inclusivity but also raised awareness about gender equality in sports. The success of the “Mind the Gap” project has empowered our coaches and trainers, giving them the confidence and capability to work more effectively with girls. This has contributed to the development of a stronger, more cohesive team. The project has set a foundation for lasting change, reinforcing our commitment to promoting equal opportunities in sports and supporting the aspirations of young female athletes.