From June 10 to 15, 2025, the second part of the third edition of the Sport for Development (S4D) Instructor Training took place in Prizren, gathering once again youth workers, physical education teachers, coaches, and sport practitioners from across the Western Balkans. Organized by the GIZ Sport for Development team in cooperation with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and the Sport for Development Global Programme, the training marked a pivotal moment in this regional capacity-building initiative.
Building on the momentum from the first training held in April in Skopje, the second module focused on deepening participants’ understanding of how to practically apply the S4D methodology in diverse local contexts. Through experiential learning, participants explored how to design and facilitate sport-based sessions that promote life skills, foster inclusion, and empower youth through sport.
The regional format of the training encouraged intercultural dialogue and cooperation, extending learning beyond formal sessions into daily interactions and shared experiences. These connections enriched the overall journey and strengthened the network of committed professionals across borders.
Having successfully completed both parts of the training, participants are now certified as S4D instructors. Equipped with practical tools, knowledge, and a shared vision, they are ready to lead local initiatives that use sport to promote social cohesion, equality, and youth development in their communities.
The success of the third edition reaffirms GIZ and RYCO’s ongoing dedication to using sport as a transformative force for peace and cooperation in the Western Balkans. As these newly certified instructors take their next steps, the Sport for Development movement continues to grow stronger, more connected, and more impactful than ever.
