NOCZ and the Olympic Refuge Foundation consider Zambia as a host for the Sport Coach+ Programme, aiming to reach more than 500 coaches

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) met with the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) and other key partners on May 25 and 26, 2026. They discussed the possibility of Zambia hosting the Sport Coach+ Train of Trainers Programme, which could benefit over 500 coaches nationwide.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Red Cross Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub, OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre, and the Judo Association of Zambia, among others.

Head of Foundation at the Olympic Refuge Foundation, Jeroen Carrin, presents a pin to NOCZ president Alfred Foloko after the meeting.

Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and laying the groundwork for the implementation of the programme in Zambia.

Speaking during the meeting, NOCZ President Alfred Foloko disclosed that the project will initially be implemented in only two African countries, Zambia and Kenya, with Zambia set to be the first host nation. He described the initiative as a significant opportunity for sport development in the country, noting that it will help create safer and more supportive environments for young people affected by crises, including forced displacement.

Foloko added that the training package to be provided to trainers would be highly beneficial and impactful, equipping coaches with skills to better support vulnerable young people through sport. He further emphasized that NOCZ will continue working with different stakeholders and partners to expand collaboration and bring more transformative projects to Zambia’s sporting landscape.

Meanwhile, Head of Foundation at the Olympic Refuge Foundation, Jeroen Carrin, provided an overview of the foundation’s work and vision for the programme. He noted that Zambia has long demonstrated hospitality and support towards refugees from neighbouring countries and highlighted the country’s strong sporting culture.

Carrin explained that while many young people in Zambia actively participate in sport, coaching environments may not always be adapted to meet the mental health and psychosocial needs of young people affected by crisis, forced displacement, or economic hardship.

“We have come here to work with the National Olympic Committee and the Zambian Red Cross to deliver Sport Coach+ in Zambia for the first time,” said Carrin. “This is a programme developed together with the Red Cross aimed at equipping sports coaches with the skills to create safer and more supportive sporting environments for young people.”

He further disclosed that the initiative is expected to begin with a 12-month first phase starting in September 2026, beginning with a Train of Trainers session in Zambia. Following this, approximately 8 to 10 trainer pairs are expected to conduct outreach training sessions in communities across the country, with an initial target of reaching up to 500 coaches, and potentially more depending on implementation outcomes.

Throughout the two-day meeting, stakeholders discussed several key areas, including strengthening collaboration between NOCZ, the Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS), and other partners; mapping stakeholders in the sport and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) sectors; identifying engagement and mobilization approaches; discussing possible regional expansion; reviewing administrative and financial aspects of the project; and defining roles and responsibilities among partners.

Sport Coach+ was developed through a partnership between the Olympic Refuge Foundation and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub. The programme is a comprehensive training package designed to equip coaches with the knowledge, tools, and practical strategies needed to create safe, inclusive, and supportive sporting environments for young people affected by crisis, including forced displacement.