To prepare coaches for this year’s Community Grants we organised an inspiring workshop week in Khunti. Hosted in cooperation with CInI – Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives, the week combined practical hockey sessions with hands-on project management training. The program was led by Sterre Bregman, Jasper Brinkman and Merel van Amerongen.
From hockey pitch to project plan
Through the Bovelander Foundation Community Grants, grassroots coaches in rural Jharkhand develop their professional skills and leadership capacity, while creating meaningful impact in their communities. Sterre Bregman (Bloemendaal Women) and Jasper Brinkman (Bloemendaal Men, former Dutch international) bring a ton of top-level sport experience. They had an invaluable contribution on project management in combination with coaching and teamwork: working together towards a common goal, creating a positive atmosphere, and making the most of each other’s strengths.
Over 20 coaches participated in the workshops: coaches from Khunti district, some with prior Community Grant experience. And coaches from Gumla and Simdega districts, for whom the program was entirely new.
Building skills for sustainable impact
The week began with a (re)introduction to the Community Grant framework: its criteria, opportunities and potential for personal, professional and community development. Working in four groups, coaches identified needs in their communities and brainstormed on project ideas. After this they learned practical tools – such as project phases, work breakdown structures, SMART goals and budgeting – and applied each framework directly to their own project concepts. By the final day, there was confidence and excitement during the group presentations. Powerful ideas are taking shape!
Stronger projects, stronger leaders, stronger communities
Coaches asked thoughtful questions and gave constructive feedback to one another. Equipped with practical planning tools and renewed confidence, they look forward to leading their projects that extend beyond the hockey field.
We are grateful to Bostik for empowering coaches through this platform, and to CInI – Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives for their partnership and support. Together, we are building stronger projects, stronger leaders and stronger communities.
To be continued!
