The Finnish Coaches Association is a national organisation dedicated to promoting sports coaching and supporting coaches across Finland. Founded in 1975, the association brings together coaches and others involved in coaching across different sports and levels, from volunteer environments to high-performance sport.
About Finnish Coaches Association
The Finnish Coaches Association works to strengthen coaches’ competence, appreciation and sense of community through education, networking opportunities, member services and advocacy.
With around 3,000 members, the association plays an important role in advancing a people-centred, responsible and high-quality coaching culture in Finnish sport. Its work supports coaches at all stages of their development while promoting the value and importance of coaching within society.
Alignment with ICCE
The values of the Finnish Coaches Association align closely with ICCE’s mission to lead and develop sport coaching globally. Both organisations share a commitment to high-quality and values-based coaching, ethical practice, collaboration, continuous learning and the development of supportive coaching communities.
The association’s focus on people-centred, responsible and equitable coaching reflects ICCE’s belief that high-quality coaching can improve sport experiences at every level. Its strategic priorities around community, participation, coach development and research-based knowledge also support ICCE’s wider goals of coaching excellence, inclusion, integrity and lifelong coach learning.
ICCE Membership Impact
“ICCE membership has provided Finnish Coaches Association with valuable international networks, cooperation opportunities and visibility for our work in developing coaching culture.”
— Sari Tuunainen, Executive Director, Finnish Coaches Association
One of the most significant examples of this collaboration is International Coaches Day, also known as #ThanksCoach, which originated in Finland during the European Week of Sport in 2019 and has since grown into an internationally recognised initiative together with ICCE and other partners.
Through ICCE membership, the Finnish Coaches Association has also benefited from opportunities to share and develop good practices related to equality, inclusion and coach development internationally.
Featured Initiative
The Finnish Coaches Association is currently implementing its new strategy for 2026–2030, focused on strengthening coaching communities, promoting a people-centred and responsible coaching culture, and developing coaching knowledge and learning opportunities.
The association is also highlighting International Coaches Day, celebrated annually on 25 September as part of the European Week of Sport. The initiative recognises the important contribution coaches make to athletes, participants and communities.
Another key initiative is Coach Like a Woman, which promotes gender equality and supports women coaches in sport. Alongside these initiatives, the association continues to develop practical coach education, peer learning communities and projects that strengthen coaches’ wellbeing, appreciation and lifelong learning.
Connect With Finnish Coaches Association
Instagram – @suomenvalmentajat
X (formerly Twitter) – @Coach_FI
Facebook – @suomenvalmentajat
LinkedIn – Suomen Valmentajat
Website – https://www.suomenvalmentajat.fi/
Email – toimisto@suomenvalmentajat.fi
