In sport, we often overlook those who carry the most experience. The #SilverCoaches project aims to change that – proving that age is not a limitation, but an asset. Together with our European partners, we are launching a new initiative to activate senior coaches and prepare them for a new role: mentors and ambassadors of the dual career pathway for athletes.
As Europe’s population ages, the need to keep older generations engaged – socially, professionally, and personally – has become more urgent than ever. In the world of sport, people aged 60+ are often overlooked, despite being a rich source of knowledge, experience, and mentorship.
While sports clubs and federations naturally invest in youth, senior coaches and former professionals deserve a place at the table. They can offer invaluable guidance to athletes and play meaningful roles in shaping club culture and development.
From Retirement to Reinvention
To respond to this challenge, the AFTERMATCH Team is proud to join a new Erasmus+ Sport project: #SilverCoaches.
The project was officially launched during a kick-off meeting in Poland and will run for two years in collaboration with international partners. Its core mission is to activate senior sports professionals and empower them to become certified #DualCareer Trainers & Officers – trained mentors who guide athletes through transitions in and beyond sport.
Project Focus Areas
Silver Coaches will:
- Diagnose the reasons older people often withdraw from social and professional life after 60
- Strengthen the skills of sports clubs and staff to support senior inclusion
- Train experienced coaches to take on new roles as dual career experts
- Promote the visibility and contributions of 60+ professionals in sport
- Support the development of innovative ideas for senior involvement in clubs
The project will build on the foundations laid in AFTERMATCH Life Beyond Sport and 2.0 Reload projects, making use of proven tools and training methods to prepare senior professionals for their next chapter – one of impact, mentorship, and continued connection to sport.
Project partners:
- TS Iron Man (Poland)
- Medobčinska nogometna zveza Maribor (Slovenia)
- Svenska Finlands Idrottsförbund SFI r.f. (Finland)
- Universidad Del Pais Vasco (Spain)
Together with our partners, we’re ready to begin another meaningful journey at the intersection of sport, education, and inclusion.
Stay tuned — there’s more to come.
Project is co-funded by EU.
