As part of the Erasmus+ program, Antonine University (UA) hosted two distinguished faculty members from the Polytechnic Institute of Santarém in Rio Maior, Portugal: Dr. Eduardo Teixeira and Dr. Vítor Padilha. They taught the Football 2 and Football 3 courses from June 9 to 13, 2025, at the Hadat–Baabda Main Campus.

Delivered to third-year students in the Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and Sport – Sports Training program offered by the Faculty of Sport Sciences (FSS), the courses combined theoretical instruction, hands-on training, and personalized mentoring sessions. This multidimensional approach provided students with an in-depth, immersive learning experience in football coaching.

The courses were meticulously designed to enrich students’ understanding of the complexity of the coaching profession. Areas of focus included game conceptualization and planning, the application of technical and tactical principles in team preparation, the development of training plans aligned with specific game models, and the strategic organization of competition. Additional emphasis was placed on enhancing the pedagogical quality of sessions, managing group dynamics, and understanding the evolving responsibilities of the coach.

UA’s FSS remains committed to fostering meaningful international collaborations that elevate the academic experience. Its growing partnership with the Polytechnic Institute of Santarém continues to expand the global scope and relevance of its football coaching curriculum, ensuring students are prepared to meet international standards in the world of sport.