At KRSP, we wanted to understand how LGBTQ+ teens felt about inclusion in sports. In 2022, we conducted a study with teens across Kilkenny and Carlow, and the findings were significant.
Our research showed that 80% of LGBTQ+ teens (aged 13-18) in these areas had experienced or witnessed discrimination in sports settings. One of the key recommendations from this study was to offer LGBTQ+ awareness training for coaches and trainers. You can read the full report here.
Next, we surveyed local sports clubs in Kilkenny and Carlow to assess their awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. The response was overwhelming—93% of respondent clubs had never received training in this area, but 71% expressed interest in learning more. Additionally, 79% of clubs requested a self-guided, online training format.
We listened. KRSP has developed a free 2-hour, self-guided LGBTQ+ training programme, and we’re now looking for clubs in Kilkenny and Carlow to pilot the training. Clubs who complete the training will receive a certificate and a specially designed LGBTQ+ toolkit tailored for sports settings. The toolkit also contains an LGBTQ+ Inclusion Charter that you can proudly display in your club.
Register below to participate in this pilot programme, and we’ll send you the link to start your training! We kindly request clubs complete the training by October 25th to help us enhance and refine the programme based on feedback before rolling it out more widely.
The overarching aim of the training and toolkit is to make sports clubs and facilities more welcoming places for the LGBTQ+ community and young people who may need support increasing physical activity and wellbeing. We believe that this can be achieved by the goals of this programme which is to: