LUB project: local meetings bring the Lisbon experience into local communities

Between August and October 2025, the LUB – Let Us Be project entered a key implementation phase, with a series of local meetings organised in Italy and Portugal. These events marked the transition from international learning to local action, allowing partner organisations to share, adapt and apply the knowledge gained during the Big Transnational Meeting held in Lisbon in April.

The local meetings were led by Vesta CrossFit 2.0 and YMCA Roma in Italy, and by Clube Desportivo da Escola Secundária Miguel Torga in Portugal, actively involving coaches, staff members, volunteers and young athletes from their respective communities.

From Lisbon to the local context

After the intense and transformative experience in Lisbon, participants returned to their organisations with new awareness, practical tools and a strong motivation to create change.

The local meetings became the space where this knowledge was translated into action.

Each organisation presented:

• the main concepts explored during the international training;

• key reflections on gender stereotypes in sport;

• practical tools and methodologies learned;

• personal experiences and insights from the Lisbon meeting.

This process of “restitution” was not a simple presentation, but a participatory moment where local members could engage, ask questions and reflect together.

Sharing knowledge, multiplying impact

One of the main goals of the local meetings was to multiply the impact of the project.

Participants who attended the transnational meeting took on an active role as facilitators, becoming multipliers of knowledge within their communities. Through interactive sessions, discussions and practical examples, they guided others in understanding:

• how gender stereotypes influence behaviours, expectations and opportunities in sport;

• how communication styles and coaching approaches can reinforce or challenge inequalities;

• how sports environments can become more inclusive and respectful for everyone.

This peer-to-peer approach strengthened the learning process and made the content more relatable and applicable.

From awareness to first concrete steps

Beyond awareness, the meetings also focused on action.

Local participants were introduced to the first elements of the LUB consultancy model, starting to reflect on their own organisations:

• What are the strengths of our association in terms of inclusion?

• Where do inequalities or biases still exist?

• What small changes can we start implementing immediately?

In many cases, this led to the identification of initial actions, such as:

• adopting more inclusive language during training;

• ensuring balanced participation in activities;

• rethinking roles and responsibilities within teams;

• creating safer spaces for expression and dialogue.

These first steps represent the foundation of a longer process of cultural change.

Strengthening local communities through sport

The local meetings also played an important role in strengthening the sense of community within each organisation.

By creating spaces for dialogue and reflection, they encouraged participants to share personal experiences, doubts and perspectives, fostering empathy and mutual understanding.

Sport once again proved to be not only a physical activity, but a powerful educational and social tool capable of bringing people together and opening new ways of thinking.

A growing movement across Europe

The meetings held between August and October 2025 demonstrated how the LUB project is progressively expanding its impact beyond the initial group of participants.

What started as an international training experience in Lisbon is now becoming a shared process across different local realities, adapted to specific contexts but united by a common vision.

Through these local actions, LUB continues to build a network of aware, active and committed sports organisations, ready to promote gender equality in a concrete and sustainable way.