As part of the Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway, our implementing partner, the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF), has successfully delivered three regional courses reaching 271 participants (113 male, 158 female) from 41 countries. Together, these coaches are working with an estimated 18,700 athletes worldwide.
Designed for current and aspiring coaches, sport leaders, and managers in Flying Disc sports, the courses aimed to address gender inequality in sport by empowering participants to create positive and inclusive environments where female-matching youth and adults can feel confident, strong, and successful.
On the Ground: Delivering the Pathway
The courses were held across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, facilitated by experienced WFDF trainers - Jane Gakuru (Uganda), Hina Nainani (India), and a team from Mexico including Vanessa Rincones Arana, Ricardo Diaz, Luis Herrera Cervantes, Juan Roberto Leyva, and Maria Vargas - with the support and supervision of TAFISA Regional Trainers.
Through presentations, group discussions, scenarios, and peer-to-peer learning, participants explored key topics such as:
- Body image, confidence, and self-esteem
- Mental health and well-being
- Safeguarding and inclusive coaching practices
- Addressing stereotypes and supporting leadership development
WFDF President Robert "Nob" Rauch noted:
"These courses are a key step in our ongoing commitment to gender equity and athlete safety. The positive feedback and strong participation show that our Members and community are dedicated to building a more inclusive future for our sport. We are proud of our partnership with TAFISA in making this happen."
In Their Own Words: Coaches Speak Out
Participants shared powerful reflections on how the course is shaping their coaching and communities:
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Lynn Abou Chedid (Lebanon): "I now focus more on creating inclusive, empowering spaces where female athletes feel heard, supported, and confident to lead, speak up, and play without fear or judgment."
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Jakelyn Sim Ru Yuen (Brunei): "The course gave me a new mindset into coaching and a new focus. It has been straightforward and easy to incorporate into training sessions."
- Khanyisile Mdlankomo (South Africa): "I am now more intentional about creating inclusive training environments... This course has transformed not only how I coach, but how I advocate for female athletes' representation and support within our broader sporting community."
- Florence Armein (Indonesia): "I am specifically looking forward to creating a safe space, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally, for the players."
The Numbers Tell the Story
Post-course questionnaires showed a strong impact on participants' skills and confidence:
100% of coaches believe they have increased their skills to retain more female-matching participants.
90% strongly agree they know how to help athletes accept and appreciate their body's abilities.
84% strongly agree they know how to create a safeguarding culture.
87% strongly agree they can eliminate barriers hindering participation.
91% strongly agree they know how to support self-esteem in female athletes.
84% have increased recruitment of female athletes and coaches.
83% have reduced female athlete dropout in their programs.
Looking Ahead
With this strong start, WFDF continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing gender equity and athlete safety through the Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway. The learnings and impact of these courses will be carried forward by participants into their communities, creating more inclusive spaces for thousands of athletes worldwide.
