The Female Athlete
This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) offers an applied evidence based introduction to female athlete health and performance. Students will explore key physiological, anatomical, and hormonal considerations relevant to supporting girls and women in sport and exercise.
The programme explores the physiological factors that shape female athlete health and performance, while also addressing the scientific and practical considerations associated with supporting athletes across key life stages. Students will examine menstrual cycle physiology, hormonal contraceptive use, sex-specific physiological differences, energy availability and REDs. Students will also explore female athlete health and performance across the lifespan, with focused attention on puberty, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause.
Through applied workshops, case studies, and international perspectives, participants will engage with current evidence and contemporary debates on how girls and women experience sport, health, and performance across the lifespan.
This BIP prepares future sport and health professionals to support female athlete health, wellbeing and performance across the lifespan through informed, evidence based practice.
13th of April 2026 to 15th of May 2026
English
Participation in this Blended Intensive Programme will be formally recognised by each student’s home institution in accordance with institutional and RUN-EU guidelines for Erasmus+ mobility.
This Blended Intensive Programme is designed for students in sport and exercise science, or those from a related fields including (but not limited to) physiotherapy, athletic therapy, physical education, sports coaching, strength and conditioning, nutrition, health sciences, and other areas with an interest in female athlete health and performance.
It is open to Bachelor’s students (EQF 6–8) from RUN-EU partner institutions with an interest in female athlete health, wellbeing and performance, applied sport science, and evidence-based approaches to supporting girls and women in sport and exercise across the lifespan.
Programme at a glance
Preparation for assessment and F2F week (24 hours)
Welcome and orientation
Short recap of online foundations
Lifespan mini-lecture series: puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause
Group formation and group task introduction
Day 2 – Applied Workshops (8 hours)
Applied workshop (1) life span considerations
Applied workshop (2) working with the female athlete in practice
Applied workshop (3) how to communicate complex topics to the public
Group synthesis task
Day 3 – SHE Research Day (8 hours)
Lightning talks from SHE researchers
Research-to-practice workshop
Day 4 – Field Trip Day (8 hours)
Visit to sports facility (location TBC)
Small-group field-based challenge
Group debrief and reflection
Day 5 – Integration, Group Project & Final Presentations (8 hours)
Group project refinement
Final presentations to academic panel
Peer feedback and closing reflection
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, learners will be able to:
Describe the key physiological and anatomical differences between males and females.
Discuss the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives and their role in training and performance.
Explain sex differences with respect to training and performance.
Discuss the key considerations for the female athlete at and during specific life stages including puberty, pregnancy
and menopause.
Demonstrate an understanding of the considerations for the female athlete, including physiological, nutritional,
training and injury related considerations.
Selection criteria
Participants will be selected based on the following criteria:
Academic Background and Relevance
Students from sport and exercise science will be prioritised, along with those from related fields such as physiotherapy, physical education, athletic therapy, nutrition, coaching science, strength and conditioning, and health sciences.
Motivation and Interest
Demonstrated interest in female athlete health, wellbeing and performance, and applied sport science, as outlined in a short motivation statement or letter. Motivation to engage with international peers and contribute meaningfully to discussions will also be considered.
Language and Communication Skills
Minimum B1 English (CEFR) and the ability to communicate effectively in team-based, applied, and cross-cultural learning environments.
Commitment and Availability
Willingness to actively participate in both the online preparatory elements and the on-site intensive week, including practical sessions, case studies, and group activities. Students must bring their laptops and have access to MS TEAMS.
Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Potential
Ability to work constructively in intercultural and interdisciplinary teams, demonstrating openness to diverse perspectives in sport, exercise, and health contexts.
Equity, Diversity, and Institutional Representation
Selection will aim to ensure gender balance, diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, and equitable representation across RUN-EU partner institutions, fostering an inclusive and well-balanced cohort.
Selection will be carried out transparently by the BIP organising committee, ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for all eligible students.
Involved organisations and persons
Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave
Partner Organisation- Carolina Vila-chã (Instructor)
- Joana Correia (Instructor)
Technical University of Liberec
Partner Organisation- Petra Caplova (Instructor)
Technological University of the Shannon
Host Organisation, Lead Organisation- Angela Kenneally (Regional Stakeholder)
- Emma Cowley (Instructor)
- Niamh Ni Cheilleachair (Lead Instructor)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement Number: 101124674