The FEMCoach Consortium continues its mission to promote gender equality and create healthier youth sports environments by equipping female coaches with specialized, research-based skills. Our ongoing International Webinar Series serves as a vital platform where academic research meets elite-level coaching practice, ensuring that trainers can effectively support young athletes based on their specific physiological and developmental needs.
Latest Insight: Understanding Growth, Maturation, and Adaptation
Our most recent session, held on April 9th, brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts to explore the complex biological and psychological considerations in female youth development.
Led by a panel including a PhD specialist in epigenetics and child health, a professional first-team strength and conditioning coach, a physician and high-performance exercise physiologist, and a specialized physiotherapist, the webinar provided a deep dive into the female athlete’s life cycle. Key discussions focused on:
- The Life-Cycle Perspective: Navigating the journey from puberty and the internal clock to peak performance and maturity.
- Scientific Evidence in Performance: Analyzing how hormone levels and the menstrual cycle impact strength, aerobic capacity, and injury risk, such as ACL biomechanics.
- Identifying “Red Flags”: Medical and coaching perspectives on monitoring Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and the Female Athlete Triad to prevent long-term health issues like reduced bone density and metabolic disorders.
Webinar Schedule and Topics
The series covers a wide range of critical topics for modern coaching, from technical strength training to psychological well-being and strategic planning. Each session lasts 2 hours and is led by experts from our partner institutions:
- Fundamentals of Strength Training for Young Female Athletes | UTAD – Jorge Arede | Nov 21st, 2025
- Developing Comprehensive Athlete-Centered Youth Programs | UTAD – Nuno Leite | Dec 17th, 2025
- Ensuring Integrity and Governance in Youth Sports | ADDJ – Inês Caetano | Jan 16th, 2026
- Creating a Safe Sport Environment for Youth | ADDJ – Miguel Nery | Feb 20th, 2026
- Encouraging Lifelong Healthy Habits | UdG – A. Viñolas & A. Ferrusola | March 5th, 2026
- Understanding Growth, Maturation, and Adaptation in Female Youth Athletes | UdG – A. Prats & A. Jódar | April 9th, 2026
- Critical Thinking and Self-Assessment in Coaching | AUTH – S. Douka, A. Mavropoulou & O. Lilou | May 22nd, 2026
- Strategic Planning for Youth Sports Success | AUTH – S. Douka, A. Mavropoulou & O. Lilou | June 19th, 2026
How to Join
All webinars are open to course participants and stakeholders interested in the education and development of female coaches, with an emphasis on inclusion and leadership.
Join the Webinars via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84991849283?pwd=9yA0mzh2cryehbJBQjEnWfXJbr5Ewy.1
