19th ENSE Forum – Sports Pedagogy & Inclusion in Kufstein
- 04.11.2026
- Event Review
International exchange at the 19th ENSE Forum: The participants gathered for a group photo on HOK campus.
A look back at the 19th ENSE Forum at Kufstein University (HOK): Around 80 international participants discussed health, inclusion, and equal opportunities in sports. In addition to engaging panels, the conference provided an excellent platform for emerging researchers and professional networking.
How can sports pedagogy help promote health, well-being, and inclusion in society? This is a question that can be explored from many different angles. During the 19th ENSE Forum, approximately 80 participants from numerous countries had the opportunity to exchange ideas on this topic and present their own research, projects, and findings.
Forty presentations and two panel discussions delivered diverse insights and plenty of material for in-depth conversations. The parallel sessions organizing the presentations covered a wide spectrum, ranging from sports pedagogy methods and the use of technology in sports education to project showcases and intersectional perspectives on sports pedagogy.
Opening of the ENSE Forum (from left: Kathrin Patzsch (research associate ISSD); Louis Moustakas (Institute Director & Secretary General ENSE) & Antonio Tessitore (President ENSE).
A major highlight was the two panel discussions. The first panel, titled "Coming off the Sidelines: Advancing Women in Sport Professions," addressed where and why women drop out of coaching career paths and explored strategies to inspire women to pursue this profession and retain them long-term. The second panel, "Outdoor Education – Barriers and Bridges," focused on how outdoor education can be designed to build bridges and enable participation rather than reproducing barriers.
Strong Commitment from ISSD, SKVM, and HOK Students
Following its founding in 2025, the Institute for Sport & Sustainable Development (ISSD) reached a significant milestone by hosting the ENSE Forum: organizing its very first conference. This success was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Louis Moustakas (Head of Institute and Secretary General of ENSE) and Kathrin Patzsch in conference organization locally in Kufstein.
Participants of the 19th ENSE Forum in discussion.
They received active support from other lecturers of the Sport, Culture & Event Management (SKVM) program, as well as from students of the corresponding Master's program, who volunteered their time. It was also great to see that three (former) SKVM students took the opportunity to present the results of their Bachelor's or Master's theses and open them up for discussion.
NETWORKING EVEN OUTSIDE THE SEMINAR ROOM
In addition to the intensive scientific exchange, the supporting program, with a guided tour of the fortress and a conference dinner at the Auracher Löchl, also offered an ideal platform to talk to the other participants outside of academic topics – an opportunity that was very gladly used.
For me, it was two days in which I gained many new insights, especially in sports, and had the opportunity to meet many people from different countries and fields.
Gina Schiwek
Master's graduate 2026 SKVM & presenter at the 19th ENSE Forum
IT CONTINUES NEXT YEAR
At the conclusion of the forum, the dates for 2027 were announced: The next ENSE Forum will take place from May 27th to 29th, 2027 in Salerno, Italy. But the international focus isn't the only thing that will continue – Kufstein will also host another sports science conference next year. From September 1st to 3rd, 2027, the Sustainable Sports Symposium will be held at the HOK in cooperation with the ISSD and the think tank sportainable.
Links:
- Sports, Culture & Event Management | ft
- Institute for Sport & Sustainable Development (ISSD) | Institute Main Page
- European Network of Sport Education | Website