From April 28 to May 1, 2025, University of Limerick (PESS Department) hosted the final transnational meeting of the PhysEd Academy project – a vibrant collaboration of researchers, teacher educators, and practitioners from across Europe, dedicated to transforming the landscape of physical education. Oslo, Luxemburg, Turkey and Slovenia preceded.
The meeting marked not only a culmination of sustained partnership over three years, but also a pivotal moment to reflect, consolidate, and think about strategies for the future. The PhysEd Academy, funded under the EU’s Teacher Academies call, aims to foster equitable outcomes in physical education by supporting both initial teacher education (ITE) and continuous professional development (CPD). Central to its mission is the belief that radical change in PE can only be achieved through collaborative international dialogue, critical reflection, and open access to high-quality resources. These principles shaped the structure of the Limerick meeting.
While the formal funding cycle concludes, the team emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum and the sustainability of the project through continued scholarly collaborations, active dissemination, and integration of the resources created (mini-teaching packs) in local and national CPD platforms. Plans are already underway for a series of collective publications that will hopefully extend the network’s reach and impact. A particularly energising moment during the two days meeting was the launch of the Justice Ed Toolkit and SATLE toolkit, both developed by some Sport Pedagogy Research Group members part of the PhysEd Academy team. The Dean of the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Professor Deirdre McGrath actively participated in this launch.
This final gathering of in sunny Limerick, was a fitting celebration of what the PhysEd Academy has achieved, a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and transnational community working towards a shared vision of equity and excellence in physical education. The photo taken outside the PESS building captures that this is more than a project; it is a movement grounded in collegiality, mutual respect, and a shared desire to enact meaningful educational change.
Please stay connected and explore the growing suite of resources at www.physed-academy.com.
Dr Antonio Calderón is Associate Professor and Course Director of the PME Physical Education, University of Limerick.
Email: Antonio.calderon@ul.ie LinkedIn
PESS News & Information 