In Lisbon, the first big international meeting of the LUB project: four days to rethink sport through gender equality

From 7 to 10 April 2025, the first Big Transnational Meeting of the European project LUB – Let Us Be took place in Lisbon. Co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Sport programme, the project promotes gender equality in sport by providing tools, knowledge and support to local sports associations.

For four days, young coaches, volunteers, sports educators and association leaders from different European countries came together for an intense and meaningful experience of learning, exchange and transformation.

A powerful, human and transformative learning experience

The meeting was much more than a training session: it was an experiential journey, based on non-formal education, peer learning, role-playing and interactive workshops. Participants explored how gender stereotypes are constructed and reproduced in everyday life – especially in sports.

They learned to distinguish between gender identity, gender roles, sexual orientation and societal expectations, and reflected on how these concepts affect access to sport, team dynamics, communication styles and leadership opportunities.

Thanks to up-to-date data and an overview of European gender equality policies, participants became fully aware of how deeply the gender gap in sport is rooted – from unequal access and visibility to subtle expectations placed on boys and girls. At the same time, they discovered the benefits of creating more inclusive and open sports environments, where individuals can express themselves freely, beyond traditional gender roles.

From awareness to action: the educational power of sports professionals

A key focus was placed on the educational role of sports staff. Participants explored their potential as agents of change within their local communities – not just as trainers or technical instructors, but as role models and trusted adults for young athletes and their families.

They were introduced to practical tools and strategies to:

• design inclusive training sessions,

• use gender-sensitive communication,

• promote fair participation in different sports disciplines, and

• create spaces where self-determination is possible for everyone.

Each participant also began their journey to becoming a LUB Consultant, learning how to assess a sports community, define strategic goals, implement tailored activities, and evaluate their impact.

An international team, one shared vision

Participants were carefully selected by each partner organisation, with special attention to gender balance, geographical diversity, and the inclusion of people from vulnerable or underrepresented backgrounds. This created a rich, diverse and respectful group dynamic.

The entire training followed the principles of non-formal education, promoted by the European Commission as an inclusive and horizontal learning methodology. Alongside the workshops, participants also collaborated on the first chapters of the LUB educational e-book, contributing ideas, insights and content.

Building a new culture of sport

The Lisbon meeting marked the starting point of a wider path. Participants returned to their communities equipped with practical tools, new perspectives, and a strong sense of purpose. In the coming months, they will begin to apply what they’ve learned within their own sports associations and spread the LUB model across Europe.

Thanks to their engagement, the project will continue to grow – step by step – towards a more inclusive, equitable and modern approach to sport, one that reflects the diversity and complexity of the society we live in.