Training for Inclusive Education Coach-Teachers

A training was held at the AFFA Rehabilitation Center within the framework of the "Equality and Diversity in Schools" project implemented by AFFA with the support of UEFA. The training, organized for 20 physical education coach-teachers from 10 schools in Baku implementing an inclusive education program, consisted of theoretical and practical parts in accordance with the social inclusion goals of the project.

The event was opened by Kifayat Mustafayeva, AFFA's Social and Environmental Sustainability Projects Manager. She said that the project aims to promote social inclusion and diversity through football in Azerbaijani schools. K.Mustafayeva also noted the full compliance of the project with UEFA's social sustainability principles and AFFA's youth work strategy.

The training project was held with the participation of mentor Gulyana Ozcan, sports director of the Azerbaijan Autism Association, psychologist-rehabilitologist Ilham Osmanli, as well as Ofelia Gafarova, expert on project-based learning of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In the theoretical part, extensive information was provided on the basic principles of inclusiveness. In the practical part, teachers implemented inclusive training plans on basic football techniques (passing, dribbling, receiving the ball, shooting). The trainings were conducted with rules adapted to physical limitations. The main goal is to increase the inclusive education skills of teachers and coaches and prepare them to work effectively with children with different needs. This serves the overall goal of the project - to strengthen social integration through football in schools.

At the end, teachers were awarded diplomas by AFFA.

The project will continue for the period of 2025/2026 and will be implemented with the participation of 100-200 students in 10 inclusive schools in Baku.