The Heart of the Project: The BTBC Safety & Inclusion Training Package

BREAK THE BULLY CYCLE (BTBC) is a project co-funded by the European Union.

At the centre of Break the Bully Cycle (BTBC) stands its most important output: the Safety & Inclusion Training Package.This resource has been designed as a practical and accessible guide for sports clubs that want to create safer environments for young athletes, support inclusive team dynamics and respond to bullying in an effective way.

Why this Package matters

Across Europe, many coaches experience the same difficulties: recognising early signs of bullying, managing negative group dynamics, balancing competition with respect, or dealing with situations they were never trained to address. At the same time, young athletes often lack the language and the confidence to describe what they feel, while associations struggle to establish clear and shared procedures.

The BTBC package was created precisely to fill this gap. It brings together the experience of the four partner organisations and transforms it into a unified approach that any club can apply, regardless of size, resources or sport discipline.

What the Training Package includes

The package opens with a clear introduction to the phenomenon of bullying in sport. The aim is to help coaches and youth workers understand what bullying actually is, how it differs from simple conflict, and why it can become particularly intense in competitive or highly hierarchical environments.Through accessible explanations and concrete examples, this section supports both experts and newcomers in recognising the dynamics that often remain invisible.

A second part of the package focuses on inclusion and team culture. It explores how a group’s identity is formed, how young people negotiate their roles inside a team, and how stereotypes or pressure can influence behaviour. Coaches are guided to reflect on their own leadership style and on the values they promote during training sessions.

The heart of the material is the set of practical tools. These are activities and methods that can be used directly on the field or during team meetings: structured conversations, short reflection moments, cooperative challenges, simple role-playing exercises, and communication techniques that help reduce tension and encourage positive interactions. Each tool is described clearly and can be adapted to different age groups.

Finally, the package presents a small protocol for responding to bullying. It offers a sequence of steps to follow when a coach observes or receives a report of harmful behaviour, ensuring that reactions are consistent, transparent and supportive for all involved.

A tool designed to be shared

One of the strengths of the BTBC package is its openness. It has been created to be replicated, translated, adapted and used freely by sports clubs, youth organisations and community centres.The format is simple, the language is accessible, and the approach is grounded in real experience from Italy, Spain and Bulgaria.

Supporting coaches, empowering young people

The Safety & Inclusion Training Package is not just a document. It is a way of rethinking the role of sport: not only as a place where young people compete, but also as a space where they learn to cooperate, communicate and respect each other. By offering clear guidance and practical solutions, BTBC aims to support coaches, empower young athletes and help local clubs take concrete steps towards safer and more inclusive sport environments.