ATHENA Project Holds Third Transnational Meeting in Bratislava

ATHENA Project Holds Third Transnational Meeting in Bratislava

Last week, the third transnational project meeting (TPM) of the ATHENA project took place in Bratislava, hosted by the University of Bratislava (UK BA). The event, held from July 1 to July 3, brought together the five project partners: the European Mini Football Federation (EMF), the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU), Margherita Sport e Vita (MSV), University of Bratislava (UK BA), and the European Football Development Network (EFDN).

Funded by the Erasmus+ program, the ATHENA project aims to enhance the representation of women in sport governance and administration, while also promoting walking sports as a vital form of exercise for senior citizens. The recent meeting focused on evaluating and advancing various aspects of the project to ensure its success and impact.

One of the key topics discussed was the dissemination strategy. Partners reviewed the steps taken so far to increase the project’s visibility and awareness, identifying further actions needed to amplify the reach and results of ATHENA. The meeting also saw the presentation of the finalized training manual for Work Package 3 (WP3), which includes theoretical and practical workshops, online videos, and an interactive blog. This comprehensive training material is designed to support the development of women in sport governance and administration.

Additionally, the consortium addressed the guidelines for piloting the referee and coaches program. Four of the five partner organizations are tasked with engaging 400 participants, encompassing coaches and referees, in this initiative. This effort aims to enhance the skills and competencies of sports officials, aligning with the project’s objectives.

The planning of Work Package 4 (WP4) was another significant agenda item. This phase involves the delivery of walking football and walking basketball sessions by four organizations, culminating in four national multiplier sports events in their respective countries. These activities are intended to promote physical activity among senior citizens and highlight the benefits of walking sports.

Looking ahead, the partners scheduled the next key events for the ATHENA project. A seminar and tournament are planned for January 2025, offering an opportunity to showcase the project’s progress and engage more stakeholders. The next TPM will be held in Bari, Italy, in June 2025, hosted by MSV. This upcoming meeting will further the collaborative efforts of the consortium as they work towards achieving the project’s goals.

Read more about the ATHENA project here.