Norra Jalgpalliliidu taotlus

EEA AND NORWAY GRANTS FUND FOR BILATERAL RELATIONS INITIATIVE PROPOSAL Title of the initiative: Grassroots Football Coaching Course Estonia (GFCC): Advancing Gender Equality through Inclusive Grassroots Football Implementing entity (beneficiary or donor state entity): The Football Association of Norway Partner(s) (minimum one donor state entity): Estonian Football Association Allocation (total sum): 9 6626 EUR (2026/2027) Short description of the initiative: (background, aim, participants, activity plan, budget outline, communication and dissemination Background / Rationale The Football Association of Norway (NFF) is Norway’s largest children and youth organisation (400,000 members) and a pioneer in grassroots and women’s football. NFF’s work is complemented by the Estonian Football Association (EJL), the governing body for football in Estonia, founded in 1921 and headquartered in Tallinn. EJL has adopted a strategic action plan aimed at strengthening women’s football and increasing girls’ participation, supported by improved coordination, guidance, and collaboration with clubs nationwide. However, the availability of qualified female coaches remains a critical prerequisite for achieving these ambitions. Together, NFF and EJL are broad-based, membership-driven sports organisations with deep local reach, and important civil society actors in their respective countries, well-positioned to advance inclusion, participation, trust, and rights-based community engagement through football. NFF has more than 20 years of international experience delivering structured grassroots programs and women-only coaching education in multiple regions, with a clear focus on inclusion, safe sport, and sustainable local structures for girls’ participation. NFF’s international women-focused grassroots coaching program (Grassroots Football Coaching Course - GFCC) has a central place in this work. The program is built on principles aligned with the grassroots/UEFA C pathway and is delivered by highly qualified instructors. Over the last six years it has been implemented in more than 15 countries with strong results in growing the number of women coaches and strengthening local girls’ football activity. Gender equality and equal access to participation in civil society remain key priorities under the Bilateral Fund. In football, structural gender imbalances persist, particularly at grassroots level, where girls’ access to organised activity is often limited by a lack of female role models, qualified coaches, and inclusive local structures. 1 This initiative responds to the following challenge: unequal opportunities for girls and women to participate and take leadership roles in grassroots football. By increasing the number of qualified female coaches and strengthening inclusive local activity structures, the project contributes directly to gender equality, in line with the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025, which emphasises equal participation, leadership opportunities, and the removal of structural barriers for women and girls across all areas of society, including sport (European Commission). Participation in team sports is consistently associated with positive social outcomes, including a sense of belonging, social support, and resilience, as highlighted in EU research on sport and social inclusion, which recognises organised sport as an important arena for building social capital, well-being, and community cohesion (European Commission) Improved physical and mental health outcomes for girls are recognised as important secondary effects of increased participation in safe, regular football activity. EU indicators shows that girls across Europe are on average less physically active than boys, reflecting structural barriers and unequal access to attractive activity arenas (Eurostat, PLOS+1). Increasing girls’ participation in football therefore supports both equal opportunities and improved physical and mental health. NFF’s experience shows that female coaches are a key enabler for recruiting and retaining girls in football, particularly where football is perceived as male-dominated. More women in coaching and leadership strengthens trust among families, supports safeguarding culture, and helps create safer and more welcoming environments for girls. Safeguarding is also directly linked to equal opportunities for girls in football: safe, respectful sport settings reduce risks of harm and bullying, and are widely recognised as central to girl’s positive sport experiences and well-being (European Commission). By integrating safeguarding competence into coach education, the project strengthens both the protective environment around children and the conditions needed for sustained participation, thereby supporting gender-equal access to sport. In addition, the course includes a dedicated Football Fitness & Health module (youth football). The module equips the course participants with practical knowledge on age-appropriate training, injury prevention, basic nutrition, and how regular, enjoyable activity can promote long-term movement habits, resilience, and positive mental health—particularly for girls who are at risk of lower activity levels. This is especially important from a gender equality perspective, as European evidence shows that girls face structural barriers to sustained participation in physical activity, and that early access to safe, supportive, and well-adapted sport environments is critical for reducing gender gaps in physical activity (EIGE ; WHO). Finally, football is the world’s largest sport and has exceptional reach and cultural relevance, also in Norway and Estonia. Beyond football’s direct contribution on gender equality, the sport is a powerful platform for communicating evidence-based messages on equal opportunities and rights-based participation (Council of the European Union - EU Work Plan for Sport 2024–2027). This communication potential will be actively used throughout the project to raise public awareness and strengthen broader societal support for girls’ participation and safe grassroots sport. 2 Overall aim To advance gender equality by strengthening women’s access to education, leadership, and participation in grassroots football, through the implementation of a women-focused coaching course program that increases girls’ (aged 6–16) opportunities to participate in safe, inclusive local football activity in Estonia. Specific objectives 1. Increase women’s participation and leadership in grassroots football by training and certifying female coaches through NFF’s internationally tested GFCC program (aligned with grassroots/UEFA C principles). 2. Strengthen inclusive and safe grassroots environments by integrating safeguarding principles and rights-based coaching practices into coach education. 3. Expand girls’ access to organised football activity by using practical course elements, including Girls’ Football Festivals and a structured practice period, as recruitment and activation arenas. 4. Promote gender equality and equal opportunities through visibility, communication, and role modelling, using football’s strong societal platform. 5. Lay the foundation for a long-term partnership between NFF and EJL, positioning the course program as the first step in a broader cooperation on women’s coaching, leadership pathways, and grassroots development. The Coaching Course program/ Participants / Target groups / Beneficiaries The coaching course is structured as a blended, step-by-step learning pathway combining digital learning, practical application, and follow-up. It begins with an e-learning module introducing the principles of children’s football. This is followed by Course Part 1 on children’s football, delivered as an in-person program combining theory and practical sessions, and including a Girls’ Football Festival for approximately 240 girls, which serves as a supervised learning and recruitment arena. Each newly qualified female coach will receive an equipment package—including balls, cones, bibs, a pump, and basic training equipment— designed to enable the immediate start-up and sustainable delivery of local girls’ football activities. In the mid-phase period, participants establish local training groups and conduct regular training sessions, supported by two mandatory e-learning modules on Safeguarding and Football Fitness & Health. The program concludes with Course Part 2 on youth football, delivered as an in-person course combining theory and practice, followed by structured follow-up of the trained coaches to support retention, quality, and continued activity over time. 3 The courses are delivered by instructors from NFF’s international instructor pool, all with extensive experience from implementing NFF’s international grassroots coaching program for women in multiple countries and with strong competence in grassroots development, safeguarding, and women-focused coach education. Throughout the course program, all participants are registered and followed up through NFF’s dedicated international digital learning platform, which provides access to the mandatory e-learning modules and course materials, and enables participants to register and document their practical coaching activities during the practice period through structured reporting, including photos and videos. The direct participants are female coaching candidates (aspiring grassroots coaches) recruited by EJL with technical support from NFF. The direct beneficiaries are girls aged 6–16 who participate in the festival and subsequent local training groups, as well as families and local communities who benefit from increased access to safe, positive physical activity opportunities and improved community cohesion. Indirect beneficiaries include local clubs/academies and EJL structures that will be strengthened through a larger pool of qualified female coaches and improved safeguarding competence, supporting sustainable girls’ football activity and safer grassroots environments over time. Furthermore, the broader population benefits from heightened public awareness of football’s role in gender equality and equal access to participation in civil society and public health, supported by the strong outreach and visibility of the national football associations. Communication and dissemination The project will use football’s broad reach and strong public interest to disseminate key messages on equal opportunities in sport. Planned measures include: • Joint communication by NFF and EJL (web, social media, photo/video storytelling) around the course milestones and festival. • A high-level visibility moment in Tallinn linked to one of the in-person course blocks, where the Presidents from the two football associations meet to highlight gender equality and equal opportunities. • Proactive media outreach to national media in Estonia and Norway, and invitations to relevant public stakeholders to emphasise sport as an inclusive civic arena for girls. • Dissemination of learnings and results within EJL’s club network to encourage replication. Long-term partnership between NFF and EJL NFF and EJL have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding expressing their mutual intention to cooperate on the development of girls’ and women’s football. This application concerns the initial phase of a broader, long-term partnership between NFF and EJL. While the present project focuses specifically on gender equality through two coaching course cycle, it is designed as a strategic entry point to a multi-year cooperation encompassing additional female coaching courses and leadership programs, as well as organisational development initiatives. NFF and EJL share a clear intention to build a value-based partnership grounded in democratic values, human rights and non-discrimination, health, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, safeguarding, and inclusion of vulnerable groups. As such, the project 4 forms an integral part of a coherent, long-term approach to strengthening gender equality through grassroots football in Estonia. Budget outline The budget is structured by course program and aligned with a lump sum approach, where payments are linked to the implementation of each coaching course program. The budget covers two course programs to be implemented in 2026 and 2027 respectively. Course Program 1 (2026) includes all core costs related to course delivery, including international instructor travel and fees, accommodation and full board for participants, instructors and staff, venue and pitch rental, course materials, translation of manuals, access to NFF’s digital learning platform, delivery of a Girls’ Football Festival, local transport of participants, and direct project administration and coordination by NFF and the Estonian Football Association (EJL). Course Program 2 (2027) follows the same structure and objectives but is budgeted at a lower level. This reflects reuse of course manuals and learning materials, established delivery systems, and reduced coordination workload. No translation or development costs are included in the second year, and administrative costs are reduced accordingly. The digital learning platform is owned by NFF, which pays an annual license fee to the company that developed the platform in order to use this technical solution. In this project, NFF fully covers the license granting participants access to the system. The platform supports a blended learning model combining e- learning, on-site practical training, and continuous individual follow-up of each coach throughout the course. In addition, participant-related operational costs arise, including technical support, follow-up and storage of reports (videos, photos, etc.), and the preparation of statistics covering more than eight months of activity, including the practical period. NFF covers more than 50% of these operational costs, while EEA and Norway Grants co-funds the remaining share. All budget lines represent direct, eligible costs necessary for implementation of the coaching course programs. External audit costs are excluded, as proof of condition will be used. The budget ensures cost efficiency, clarity, and full consistency with the planned results and activity plan. 5  Activity plan 2026 Activity Time Location Cost Participants Project kick-off & detailed March Online + Covered by NFF/EJL NFF project team, planning (logistics, Estonia EJL coordinator recruitment plan, (clubs/regions) safeguarding plan, comms plan) E-learning: Introduction to April Online NFF fully covers the annual 24 Female coaches Children’s Football digital learning platform (mandatory - completion license granting participant tracked in learning platform) access, and also covers more than 50% of participant- related operational costs, while EEA and Norway Grants co-funds the remaining share of these operational costs, including technical support, report follow-up/storage, statistics etc. Coaching Course Part 1: April Tallinn EEA and Norway Grants 1 NFF Children’s football (accommodation, pitch, representative, 2 (including Girls’ Football equipment to participants, Norwegian Festival and visit by the NFF event logistics, safeguarding instructors; 24 and EJL presidents. measures) female coaches; 1 EJL support staff, 240 girls (8–12 years), 2 football presidents E-learning: Safeguarding May-June Online NFF fully covers the annual Coaches (mandatory - completion digital learning platform tracked in learning platform) license granting participant access, and also covers more than 50% of participant- related operational costs, while EEA and Norway Grants co-funds the remaining share of these operational costs, including technical support, report follow-up/storage, statistics etc. Mid-phase coaching period: May- Coaches’ local On-site follow-up of coaches Coaches + local coaches deliver local training October communities covered by NFF/EJL. Digital girls’ groups + clubs for girls (supported follow-up: NFF fully covers monitoring/mentoring the annual digital learning through the ) platform license granting participant access, and also covers more than 50% of participant-related operational costs, while EEA and Norway Grants co-funds the remaining share of these 6  operational costs, including technical support, report follow-up/storage, statistics in the mid-phase coaching period. E-learning: Football Fitness September– Online NFF fully covers the annual All female coaches & Health – linking activity to October platform license granting physical & mental health and participant access, and also healthy habits (mandatory - covers more than 50% of completion tracked in participant-related learning platform) operational costs, while EEA and Norway Grants co- funds the remaining share of these operational costs, including technical support, report follow-up/storage, statistics etc. Coaching Course Part 2: November– Tallinn EEA and Norway Grants 1 NFF Youth Football December (accommodation, pitch, representative, 2 (consolidation, youth equipment to participants, Norwegian football principles, event logistics, safeguarding instructors; 24 assessment, next-step measures) female coaches; 1 planning) EJL support staff, 40 girls/players for the practical sessions (13–16 years) Communication & April - Tallinn, Oslo, Covered by NFF/EJL NFF/EJL comms; dissemination package: December Social Media communications media; invited media outreach, social department stakeholders media storytelling, stakeholder engagement event in Tallinn Administration, financial March - EEA and Norway Grants NFF/EJL management, reporting December 7  Activity plan 2027 Activity Time Location Cost Participants Project kick-off & detailed March Online + Covered by NFF/EJL NFF project team, planning (logistics, Estonia EJL coordinator recruitment plan, (clubs/regions) safeguarding plan, comms plan) E-learning: Introduction to April Online NFF fully covers the annual 24 Female coaches Children’s Football digital learning platform (mandatory - completion license granting participant tracked in learning platform) access, and also covers more than 50% of participant- related operational costs, while EEA and Norway Grants co-funds the remaining share of these operational costs, including technical support, report follow-up/storage, statistics etc. Coaching Course Part 1: April Tallinn EEA and Norway Grants 1 NFF Children’s football (accommodation, pitch, representative, 2 (including Girls’ Football equipment to participants, Norwegian Festival and visit by the NFF event logistics, safeguarding instructors; 24 and EJL presidents. measures) female coaches; 1 EJL support staff, 240 girls (8–12 years), 2 football presidents E-learning: Safeguarding May-June Online NFF fully covers the annual Coaches (mandatory - completion digital learning platform tracked in learning platform) license granting participant access, and also covers more than 50% of participant- related operational costs, while EEA and Norway Grants co-funds the remaining share of these operational costs, including technical support, report follow-up/storage, statistics etc. Mid-phase coaching period: May- Coaches’ local On-site follow-up of coaches Coaches + local coaches deliver local training October communities covered by NFF/EJL. Digital girls’ groups + clubs for girls (supported follow-up: NFF fully covers monitoring/mentoring the annual digital learning through the ) platform license granting participant access, and also covers more than 50% of participant-related operational costs, while EEA and Norway Grants co-funds the remaining share of these 8  operational costs, including technical support, report follow-up/storage, statistics in the mid-phase coaching period. E-learning: Football Fitness September– Online NFF fully covers the annual All female coaches & Health – linking activity to October platform license granting physical & mental health and participant access, and also healthy habits (mandatory - covers more than 50% of completion tracked in participant-related learning platform) operational costs, while EEA and Norway Grants co- funds the remaining share of these operational costs, including technical support, report follow-up/storage, statistics etc. Coaching Course Part 2: November– Tallinn EEA and Norway Grants 1 NFF Youth Football December (accommodation, pitch, representative, 2 (consolidation, youth equipment to participants, Norwegian football principles, event logistics, safeguarding instructors; 24 assessment, next-step measures) female coaches; 1 planning) EJL support staff, 40 girls/players for the practical sessions (13–16 years) Communication & April - Tallinn, Oslo, Covered by NFF/EJL NFF/EJL comms; dissemination package: December Social Media communications media; invited media outreach, social department stakeholders media storytelling, stakeholder engagement event in Tallinn Administration, financial March - EEA and Norway Grants NFF/EJL management, reporting December 9  Planned results 2026/2027 OUTPUT INDICATOR TARGET COMMENTS PROOF OF CONDITION Foreseen: 24 women enrolled; 22 women certified/qualified (after course part 2); Report describing what has 240 girls participate in Girls’ been implemented; agendas Football Festival for Course Part 1 and Course Part 2; registration 264+ girls reached through regular sheets / participants lists; Coaching First 1 local training groups during the confirmation of completed course coaching practical period; e-learning modules from program 1 course the digital learning 22 women completing the 2026 program platform; basic photo Safeguarding module implemented documentation and 22 women completing the Football communication outputs. Fitness & Health module 8 communication and visibility activities implemented; 6 coordination and follow-up sessions conducted. Foreseen: 24 women enrolled; 22 women certified/qualified (after course part 2); Report describing what has 240 girls participate in Girls’ been implemented; agendas Football Festival for Course Part 1 and Course Part 2; registration 264+ girls reached through regular sheets/ participants lists; Coaching Second 1 local training groups during the confirmation of completed course coaching practical period; e-learning modules from program 2 course the digital learning 22 women completing the 2027 program platform; basic photo Safeguarding module implemented documentation and 22 women completing the Football communication outputs. Fitness & Health module 8 communication and visibility activities implemented; 6 coordination and follow-up sessions conducted. 10 …………………………………………………………………………. Karl Petter Løken General secretary The Norwegian Football Association 11 Grassroots Football Coaching Course Estonia (GFCC): Advancing Gender Equality through Inclusive Grassroots Football Course Program Cost item Amount EUR Comments Travel (2 round trips) + fees – Course Part 1 & 2 The average round-trip travel cost is €380 per person. Each course (Part 1 and Part 2) involves 3 participants: 2 instructors, 1 coordinator from NFF. Travel expenses cover tickets only. Instructor fees Course Part 1: €845 per instructor (includes 10.2% holiday pay - as required by law), Instructor travel & fees 4980 covers 6 travel days. Course Part 2: €505 per instructor (includes 10.2% holiday pay - as required by law), covers 4 travel days. These fees are standard fixed rates per course, including travel days. The rate is relatively low compared to the average Norwegian salary. Instructor compensation is set according to the terms defined in their contract with NFF. Participants, instructors, and staff: a total of 2 courses will be held in Tallinn Accommodation for 24 participants, Course Part 1 = 3 nights, Course Part 2 = 1 night. Accommodation for 4 persons (2 instructors, 1 representative from NFF, and 1 representative EJL), Course Part 1= 5 nights, Course Part 2= 3 nights. The average cost is estimated at €100 per person per night, based on double room accommodation with full board for course participants (2 persons per room, 12 rooms per night) and single Accommodation & full board 12800 room accommodation with full board for 2 instructors, 1 representative from NFF, and 1 representative EJL. 1. 12 Double rooms, €200 per night (full board) x 4 nights (Course part 1+Part 2) = € 9 600 2. 4 Single rooms, €100 per night (full board) x 8 nights (Course part 1+Part 2) = € 3 200. Classroom (theory), pitch rental (practice), and interpreters (theory and practice) Interpreter services for Course 1 (4 days) and Course 2 (2 days), with 2 interpreters per Venues, sports facilities and day at €400 per person for total 6 days (8 hours per day)= total €4,800. Training venue 7800 interpretation rental: €150 × 2 sessions per day × 6 days = €1,800. Conference room rental: €200 per Female Grassroots coaching day × 6 days = €1,200. program 2026 Translation of educational materials and manuals for Course Part 1 and Part 2 (one- Course manuals & off) plus printing 3000 translation Translation of Manual 1= €1,300 and Translation of Manual 2= €900. Printing of manuals for Course Part 1 and Course Part 2 (60 manuals in total) = €800. Digital follow-up and technical assistance One year of digital follow-up and support for all 24 participants via the digital learning platform, including participant enrollment, monitoring of uploaded reports and photos Digital learning platform 1200 from coaching activities during the practical period, and support for all participants through the three e-learning modules, including technical assistance. Cost: €50 per coach. Starter kits for trained coaches Footballs: 144 x €25 = €3600, Bibs: 144 x €3,5= €504, Cones:240 x €0,6 = €144, Net: 12 Equipment for coaches 4807 x €4,3 = €51,60 Wistle: 12 x €2,3= €27,60 Team bag: 12 x €30= €360, Pump: 12 x €4,7= €56,4 Transfer/tax: = €63 Festival logistics, transport, and food for children Transport for Course Part 1 includes 2 festival days with 240 children, and Course Part 2 includes 1 festival day with 40 youth; total transfer cost for festival participants = Girls’ Football Festival x 2 & €1,500. T-shirts for 2 children’s festivals: 240 children × €4 = €960 (no T-shirts for the 4140 youth festival). Diplomas for 2 children’s festivals: 240 children × €2 = €480 (no transport diplomas for the youth festival). Food for children at 2 festivals: 240 children × €5 = €1,200 (no food provided at the youth festival). Direct staff costs, 20 % of the eligible direct costs Project administration (NFF 7 745 & EJL) Indirect costs 3 253 Indirect costs 7 % of eligible direct costs. Subtotal 2026 49725  Comments Course Program Cost item Amount EUR Travel (2 round trips) + fees – Course Part 1 & 2 The average round-trip travel cost is €380 per person. Each course (Part 1 and Part 2) involves 3 participants: 2 instructors, 1 coordinator from NFF. Travel expenses cover tickets only. Instructor fees Course Part 1: €845 per instructor (includes 10.2% holiday pay - as required by law), Instructor travel & fees 4980 covers 6 travel days. Course Part 2: €505 per instructor (includes 10.2% holiday pay - as required by law), covers 4 travel days. These fees are standard fixed rates per course, including travel days. The rate is relatively low compared to the average Norwegian salary. Instructor compensation is set according to the terms defined in their contract with NFF. Participants, instructors, and staff: a total of 2 courses will be held in Tallinn Accommodation for 24 participants, Course Part 1 = 3 nights, Course Part 2 = 1 night. Accommodation for 4 persons (2 instructors, 1 representative from NFF, and 1 representative EJL), Course Part 1= 5 nights, Course Part 2= 3 nights. The average cost is estimated at €100 per person per night, based on double room Accommodation & full board 12800 accommodation with full board for course participants (2 persons per room, 12 rooms per night) and single room accommodation with full board for 2 instructors, 1 representative from NFF, and 1 representative EJL. 1) 12 Double rooms, €200 per night (full board) x 4 nights (Course part 1+Part 2) = € 9 600. 2) 4 Single rooms, €100 per night (full board) x 8 nights (Course part 1+Part 2) = € 3 200. Classroom (theory), pitch rental (practice), and interpreters (theory and practice) Interpreter services for Course 1 (4 days) and Course 2 (2 days), with 2 interpreters per Venues, sports facilities and day at €400 per person for 6 days (8 hours per day), total €4,800. Training venue 7800 interpretation rental: €150 × 2 sessions per day × 6 days = €1,800. Conference room rental: €200 per Female Grassroots coaching day × 6 days = €1,200. program 2027 Printing Course manuals 800 Printing of manuals for Course Part 1 and Course Part 2 (60 manuals in total) = €800. Digital follow-up and technical assistance One year of digital follow-up and support for all 24 participants via the digital learning platform, including participant enrollment, monitoring of uploaded reports and photos Digital learning platform 1200 from coaching activities during the practical period, and support for all participants through the three e-learning modules, including technical assistance. Cost: €50 per coach. Starter kits for trained coaches Footballs: 144 x €25 = €3600, Bibs: 144 x €3,5= €504, Cones:240 x €0,6 = €144, Net: 12 Equipment for coaches 4807 x €4,3 = €51,60 Wistle: 12 x €2,3= €27,60 Team bag: 12 x €30= €360, Pump: 12 x €4,7= €56,4 Transfer/tax: = €63 Festival logistics, transport, and food for children Transport for Course Part 1 includes 2 festival days with 240 children, and Course Part 2 includes 1 festival day with 40 youth; total transfer cost for festival participants = Girls’ Football Festival x 2 & €1,500. T-shirts for 2 children’s festivals: 240 children × €4 = €960 (no T-shirts for the 4140 transport youth festival). Diplomas for 2 children’s festivals: 240 children × €2 = €480 (no diplomas for the youth festival). Food for children at 2 festivals: 240 children × €5 = €1,200 (no food provided at the youth festival). Project administration (NFF Direct staff costs, 20 % of the eligible direct costs 7305 & EJL) Indirect costs 7 % of eligible direct costs. Indirect costs 3068 Subtotal 2027 46901 TOTAL COST 2026/2027 96626 …......................................................... Karl-Petter Løken General secretary The Norwegian Football Association