Erasmus+ Sport: Portlaoise AFC

“I think for any coach who’s interested in in developing as a coach, or any club who’s interested in developing as a club it’s something they should be getting involved in.” – Darren Broomfield, Coach at Portlaoise AFC

In 2024, Portlaoise AFC was the first Irish soccer club to go on an Erasmus+ Sports mobility. After Coach Sylvia Gee heard about the opportunity, the club applied for funding with the support of Léargas and the Laois Sports Partnership.

Their aims with this Erasmus+ Sport project were to learn from European partners about how to improve their player retention and enhance their coaching practise.

A team of 6 coaches travelled to the K. Groenenhoek soccer club in Antwerp, Belgium. They shadowed their Belgian partner club for 4 days, observing innovative organisational and coaching methods. In particular, K. Groenenhoek had a canteen where players, club members and parents could socialise.

Once they returned home, the put their learning into action, creating new social spaces for club members on the grounds.

Beyond these practical changes, Sylvia shared how the mobility has benefitted their connection as a team: “The experience of being a coach in our club was enhanced by the experience that they had when they travelled. The links between us as coaches and people involved in our club are strengthened, so the relationships between us are better, which will help the club going forward.”

Erasmus+ Sports offers clubs and coaches the opportunity to gain new knowledge and develop strong partnerships with grassroots organisations across Europe. Hear about the transformative impact of Erasmus+ on their club in the video below: