Professional Coaches of Finland (SAVAL) is a professional organisation supporting sports coaches and others working in the coaching field. Through member services, legal guidance, collective bargaining and advocacy, SAVAL works to strengthen the professional status, working conditions and recognition of coaches in Finland.
About Professional Coaches of Finland
SAVAL supports coaches, directors and students working in the coaching field, as well as both employees and self-employed professionals.
Its membership services include support with employment-related matters, legal guidance and assistance with issues such as employment contracts, working conditions and disputes with employers. Membership also includes access to an earnings-related unemployment benefit fund.
Alongside its individual member services, SAVAL carries out collective bargaining and advocacy work on behalf of the coaching profession, helping promote stronger working conditions and greater recognition for coaches.
Alignment with ICCE
SAVAL’s values align closely with ICCE’s mission to lead and develop sport coaching globally.
Both organisations share a commitment to improving the quality and professionalism of coaching while promoting ethical, athlete-centred and human-centred coaching cultures.
SAVAL also places importance on collaboration, knowledge sharing and continued coach development. These priorities reflect ICCE’s wider commitment to strengthening coaching systems and supporting positive and sustainable change in coaching at local, national and international levels.
ICCE Membership Impact
“ICCE membership has supported our work through the Coaches Association network, training and competence development, and cooperation in projects.”
— Raino Nieminen, Executive Director, Professional Coaches of Finland
Through ICCE membership, SAVAL benefits from opportunities to connect with other coaching organisations, exchange knowledge and contribute to collaborative projects.
These international connections support SAVAL’s work to strengthen the coaching profession while learning from different approaches to coach development and professional advocacy.
Featured Initiative
SAVAL is currently highlighting the status and esteem of coaches in society, with particular attention to coaches’ working conditions in Finland and more widely across Europe and internationally.
Recent research promoted by SAVAL has raised concerns about working conditions for coaches in sports clubs, reinforcing the importance of stronger professional support, fair employment practices and greater recognition of coaching as a profession.
SAVAL is also involved in work supporting greater opportunities for women in coaching, including the Coach Like a Woman initiative. The project promotes gender equality and supports the development and progression of women coaches.
Through these initiatives, SAVAL continues to advocate for stronger professional conditions, greater recognition and more equitable opportunities for coaches.
Learn more about coaches’ working conditions:
https://www.saval.fi/jarjestot/suomen-ammattivalmentajat-saval/tutkimus-paljastaa-valmentajien-tyoolojen-huolestuttavan-tilanteen-urheiluseuroissa.html
Learn more about Coach Like a Woman:
https://www.suomenvalmentajat.fi/uutiset/coach-like-a-woman-projects/
https://www.suomenvalmentajat.fi/yhdistys/hankkeet/valmentaa-kuin-nainen/
Connect With Professional Coaches of Finland
Instagram – @saval_ry
Facebook – Suomen Ammattivalmentajat SAVAL
LinkedIn – SAVAL – Suomen Ammattivalmentajat / Professional Coaches of Finland
Website – https://www.saval.fi/en/
Email – toimisto@saval.fi
