Second discussion with sports sector representatives: new solutions needed for sports education

On 29 May, the second discussion with representatives of the sports sector was held at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), bringing together 30 experts from leading sports institutions, including representatives from. The discussion focused on the quality of sports specialist training, the demands of the labour market, and the development of programmes within the Sports study field.

The discussion highlighted significant changes currently taking place in the Sports study field, including the development of consolidated study programmes at the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education (RSU LASE), the introduction of a new master’s programme, and expanded professional development opportunities in lifelong learning – including the training of Category C coaches.

The sports sector requires knowledgeable and versatile specialists – coaches for children and young people, sports teachers, and sports managers. Our aim is to train modern professionals with a broad outlook and interdisciplinary skills, enabling them to work effectively both in the field and as part of a multidisciplinary team. We have drawn inspiration from leading examples across Europe – in recent months, we have visited several top sports universities to strengthen our international experience and introduce proven solutions here in Latvia. 

Prof. Aigars Pētersons, RSU Rector

First steps following the merger – consolidated programmes

Starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, RSU will begin admitting students to two updated sports programmes, the content of which has been reviewed and modernised. The Sports Science professional bachelor’s programme will combine qualifications in sports coaching with those of a sports teacher or sports manager. Additionally, the Sports and Education Specialist (Sports Coach sub-programme) short-cycle professional programme will offer students the opportunity to obtain a qualification of a sports or fitness coach within two years.

The content of the programmes has been developed in collaboration with industry professionals and RSU faculties, bringing together expertise from fields such as sports, healthcare, medicine, psychology, entrepreneurship, environmental and social sciences.

The study content has not been developed in isolation. During the autumn discussion, we deliberately engaged with industry professionals to ensure that the programmes are both practically relevant and competitive.

Inese Ļubinska, Head of the RSU Sports Study Field

This programme is not just a certificate on paper. In sport, we expect young specialists to be prepared for real-life situations – working with children, communicating with parents, and leading processes, not just training. These are the kind of skills often missing in the sports environment.

Sandis Ozoliņš, entrepreneur and former ice hockey player

New master’s programme on its way to licencing 

During the discussion, the new academic master’s study programme was presented, which will be submitted for licencing this autumn. The two-year programme will include the following main modules: sports medicine; sports psychology; sports science and education; sports management and policy; as well as the development of a master’s thesis and professional development classes in collaboration with sports sector professionals.

We are designing a programme that will attract both young professionals and those already working in the industry who wish to deepen their knowledge of sports management, governance, and health-related aspects. Admission to the new study programme is planned to begin in 2026.

Anita Muižniece, RSU LASE Director

Academic staff from RSU’s structural units actively participate in the development of the programme, ensuring high quality based on research in sports, healthcare, public health, and education.

Training Category C coaches – a new stage in lifelong learning

This autumn, RSU’s Lifelong Learning Centre will begin implementing the Category C Sports Coach programme, which focuses on training new coaches. During the discussion, it was repeatedly emphasised that this programme offers a first-step opportunity for anyone wishing to start a career in sport and build a balanced, practical knowledge base for working as a coach.

This is the first time the RSU Lifelong Learning Centre has offered a training programme like this. It not only provides a pathway to trainer certification but also opens the opportunity to continue studying at the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education by enrolling in the Sports and Education Specialist short-cycle study programme. The knowledge and skills gained through this programme will be recognised as equivalent to the next stage of studies in the coaching profession.

Sports and health – inseparable concepts 

The discussion particularly emphasised that today's sports specialist must be also knowledgeable in healthcare issues, especially now, when obesity rates are rising in society, physical activity is declining, and the prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing. 

'There is still huge potential for fitness and health promotion in Latvia. If we want to double the level of physical activity in society, we will need twice as many competent specialists,' stated Gints Kuzņecovs, Chair of the Board of the Latvian Health and Fitness Association.

 Work with industry partners continues 

The discussion marks a long-term cooperation between RSU, sports federations and governing institutions, education policymakers, and employers. Fields for further research and alignment in the training of sports specialists were also identified - including issues related to funding, the use of infrastructure, and the development of the Sports Law. 

‘RSU’s goal is not only to train sports specialists, but also to create a comprehensive ecosystem of sports and health education in Latvia. We are ready to continue working closely with the industry to ensure that our initiatives are implemented as soon as possible,’ concluded Prof. Pētersons. 

As already informed, during the consolidation process, RSU has taken over all rights and obligations of LASE, developing a coherent development strategy and creating a unified health and sports science ecosystem. The plan is to ensure high quality, internationally competitive, research-based higher education and good governance at RSU LASE within three to five years. The resources at RSU will ensure higher quality education and research; in addition, the two institutions will be able to share information systems, project management, legal and other resources.

The sports sector was represented by  Raimonds Lazdiņš (President of the Latvian Olympic Committee), Vladimirs Šteinbergs (President of the Latvian Sports Federation Council), Dina Vīksna (Head of the Riga City Council Sports and Youth Department), Raimonds Vējonis (President of the Latvian Basketball Association), Zinta Zālīte (Head of the Latvian Olympic Unit), Kārlis Lejnieks (RSU sports expert, former Secretary General of LOC), Līga Cīrule (Chief Physician of the Latvian Olympic Unit), Kaspars Gorkšs (football expert, Director General of the Employers' Confederation of Latvia), Sandis Ozoliņš (entrepreneur, one of the most prominent NHL defensemen of his time), Dmitrijs Miļkēvičs (President of the Latvian Athletics Association), Lauris Madžuls (Secretary General of the Latvian Athletics Association), Juris Šics (Head of LOC Sports Marketing Programmes),  Sergejs Kovaļovs (Director of the Tukums Sports School, Deputy Chair of the Council of Directors of the Latvian Sports Education Institutions), Aivars Platonovs (Secretary General of the Latvian Volleyball Federation, swimming expert), Inita Juhņēviča (Head of the State Education Quality Service), Gints Kuzņecovs (Chair of the Board of the Latvian Health and Fitness Association), Ludmila Beļikova (Vice-President of the Latvian Athletics Association), Aivis Tints (Head of the Liepāja Sports Department), Elvijs Mičulis (Director of the Latvian Youth Basketball League) and Roberts Pļāvējs (Secretary General of the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation). 

RSU was represented by Prof. Aigars Pētersons (Rector), Toms Baumanis (Vice-Rector for Administration and Development), Assoc. Prof. Andris Skride (Vice-Rector for Health Studies), Prof. Inga Millere (Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences), Anita Muižniece (Director of LASE), Assoc. Prof. Kalvis Ciekurs (Deputy Director of LASE), Diāna Laipniece (Deputy Director of LASE), Asst. Prof. Inese Ļubinska (Head of Sports study field), Dainis Zemešs (Director of Department of Infrastructure), Katrīna Bērziņa (Director of Communications Department), Baiba Prauliņa (Manager of Administration Office of Vice-Rector for Health Studies) and Elīna Mizāne (RSU LASE Office Manager).