NEWS
On February 15, 2024, the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Nis (Serbia) organized the kick-off meeting of the FIND ME project. The project leader is the University of Nis faculty of Sport and Physical education (Serbia) and partners are the University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti (Italy), University of Ljublana (Slovenia), University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza,” Iaši (Romania), International University of La Rioja SA (Spain), OKKAM SRL (Italy), The European Athlete as Students – EAS (Malta) and Collective Innovation AS NO (Norway).The project will be implemented until 2027 with the primary aim to structure an evidence-based European platform specifically tailored for sportspersons looking for the best option dual career to enroll at university level in Europe, in line with the recommendations of the EU Guidelines on Dual Careers of Athletes. The partners of the FIND ME consortium will bring together a solid experience in dual career networks at national, European, and International networks, the experience of the Italian dual career university platform (https://www.unisport-italia.it/en/dual-career/), the European Minimum Study on the minimum quality requirements for dual career services, the Research for cult committee qualifications/dual careers in sports, the participation in the More Then Gold guidelines as well as in several European dual career projects. Universities and organizations from various European countries will be invited to participate in the FIND ME project, whch could provide them a high visibility of their educational offer and dual career policies.
In the FIND ME project, EAS is represented by Laura Capranica, Ilvis Abelkalns and Antonio Figueiredo.
On January 30, 2024, the EAS President Laura Capranica and Treasurer Mojca Doupona attended with more than 500 participants the Erasmus+ Sport InfoDay organized in Brussels, with others following the event in an streaming modality. Recordings of the main sessions are available at https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/events/info-session-erasmus-sport-2024-2024-01-30_en, whereas further information on the Erasmus+ Programme is available in the Guide provided in 24 languages at https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-programme-guide.
European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) Acting Director opened the event with Mrs. Iliana Ivanova (European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth) and Mr. Pierre-Yves Jeholet (representative of the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council).
Two plenary sessions were scheduled in the morning, whereas in the afternoon three parallel session and a final plenary session were organized. In the first plenary session, Yves Le Lostecque (Head of Erasmus+ Mundus & Sport Unit, EACEA), Gael Broze (Head of Erasmus+ Sport Sector, EACEA) and Mr. Luciano Di Fonzo, (Deputy Head of Erasmus+ Mundus & Sport Unit, EACEA) introduced the ERASMUS+ Sport Programme, whereas Pawel Jesien (Polish Athletic Association) and Hebe Schaillee (Free University of Brussels) reported their experiences. In the second plenary session, Florencia Van Houdt, (Head of Sport Unit, DG EAC, European Commission), Milena de Murga, (Union of Sport Federations of Catalunya), Carlotta Giussani (European Olympic Committee EU Office), Vassos Koutsidoundas (Cyprus Sports Organisation) and Anna Merlini (Italian Canoe Kajak Federation) addressed the Erasmus+ Sport Policy priorities.
In the afternoon, the three parallel sessions focused on how to apply for Erasmus+ KA2 sport actions, on how to present project proposals, and on how to present a Capacity Building proposals. Among the EU funding opportunities in sports presented in the last plenary session, the Share 2.0 initiative was explained by Luciano Di Fonzo (Deputy Head of Erasmus+ Mundus & Sport Unit at EACEA) and Olivier Smith (Deputy Head of Unit Sport Policy at DG EAC of the European Commission); the Erasmus+ KA1 mobility of sport staff was illustrated by Violeta Birzniece (Sport Unit at DG EAC of the European Commission), and the Pilot Projects and Preparatory Actions in the field of sport were described by Izabela Pelczynska (Erasmus+ Sport Sector at EACEA presented Pilot Projects and Preparatory Actions in the field of sport).
Iban Garcia del Blanco (Member of the European Parliament) and Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen (Director General of DG EAC of the European Commission) highlighted the increased budget allocated to sport-specific EU policies in practices, and the growing interest and variety of applications to the funding opportunities in sports.
A special recognition was attributed to Yves Le Lostecque (Head of Erasmus+ Mundus & Sport Unit at EACEA and former Head of Sport Unit at DG EAC of the European Commission), who announced his retirement after having greatly contributed to the development of key European sport initiatives.
The deadline for ERASMUS+Sport Collaborative Parnerships and Capacity Building project applications is March 5, 2024.
Talent project
We are delighted to bring you the latest developments from the TALENT project, specifically highlighting the strategic endeavors of Work Package 3 spanning from February 2023 to March 2024.
E-STOP platform:
The E-STOP online platform is now operational at talent-edu.eu, marking a pivotal milestone in our pursuit of excellence. Unveiled during the Project Meeting in Athens (November 2023), the platform, championed by the Centre of Excellence of Split-Dalmatia County, boasts interactive features designed to provide comprehensive guidelines and recommendations to registered profiles.
Our commitment extends beyond the platform’s functionality. All project partners have unanimously agreed to contribute to the development of a robust database featuring key service providers specializing in talent identification and orientation within their respective countries. This collaborative effort aims to establish a cross-border network of expertise.
Methodological Handbook Unveiled
In alignment with the impactful outcomes of Work Package 2, the TALENT project Consortium proudly presents the Methodological Handbook. This meticulously crafted document sets forth Standards for the Detection and Assessment of the Potential of Talented Children in Sport. Validated by experts from the fields of sport and education, the Handbook adopts a longitudinal approach, delineating key phases in the talent development process, from animation for sports to talent confirmation and transfer.
The Handbook underscores the imperative of synergy between the biological, psychological, and sociological domains of an individual. Anchored in the Positive Youth Development concept, it emphasizes a holistic approach to talent cultivation.
Drawing inspiration from the Methodological Handbook, the development of educational and training materials for Work Package 4 is well underway. These materials will be presented and discussed during the upcoming project meeting scheduled for June 2024 in Cyprus.
We invite you to stay engaged with us as we continue to navigate the intricate landscape of talent development through the TALENT project. Your ongoing support is instrumental in shaping a future where every talent finds its optimal expression.
On December 18-20, 2023, the European University Sport Association (EUSA) Institute organized in Val di Zoldo, Italy, the kick-off meeting of the DiscoverU Collaborative Partnership, in conjunction with the European University Winter Championships & EUSA Winter Forum.
The consortium is coordinated by EUSA Institute includes Croatian Academic Sports Federation, UniSport Heart Foundation (CRO), Hungarian University Sports Federation – MEFS (HUN), the Akademcki Zwiazek Sportowy -AZS (POL), the University of Salerno and FederCUSI (ITA), and EAS (MLT). DiscoverU will gather information on sport and physical activity opportunities for students in higher education and will share good practice examples for university sport and dual career support in the partner countries. To enhance sport participation and active lifestyles of university students the partner organizations will engage in blended learning, share experiences, gain new information and skills.
On December 16, 2023, the University of Soochow, China, organized an international meeting with the Chrles University of Prague, The University of Rome Foro Italico and the University of Taipei, followed y a Sport Forum during which Prof. Laura Capranica, President of EAS, presented the European dual career policies and activities.
Among the efforts of the European Commission in supporting Collaborative Partnerships and Capacity Building projects, the projects on dual career financed in the last decade were illustrated.
Furthermore, the role and contribution of EAS in addressing specific dual career issues in past, present, and future EU-funded projects were highlighted, also envisaging possible cooperation with non-European countries. In fact, dual career could be considered a valuable means for sport diplomacy to improve the dialogue, relations, and cultural exchanges between countries.
Coordinated by the University of Limerick (IRE) in cooperation with EAS (MLT), Elite Sports Academy Aarhus – ESAA (DEN), European University Sports Association Institute – EUSA (SLO), European Platform for Sports and Innovation – EPSI (BEL), Human Age Institute Foundation (ITA), Roma Tre University (ITA), University of Ljubljana (SLO), and University of Nis (SRB), after three years the Brand Values Alignment through Dual Career (BRAVA) project, co-funded by the European ERASMUS+Sport Programme (622824-EPP-1-2020-1-IE-SPO-SCP), has come to its end. On December 12, 2023, EPSI hosted the last transnational meeting of BRAVA-DC in Brussels (BEL) to discuss the achieved outcomes and to foresee further development in the dual career of the employee-sportsperson. Despite the pandemic challenges, the consortium successfully accomplished important steps in uncovering the evidence and eminence of the dual career at the workplace, which were summarized in scientific contributions, and a report with 16 guidelines and an evaluation tool available at https://edu.bravadualcareer.eu.
In the afternoon, more than 30 in-person and 100 online participants attended the Final Conference of BRAVA-DC, which was organized in conjunction with the 11th EAS online Cafè. Alberto Bichi (Director of EPSI) welcomed the participants on behalf of the hosting organization and project consortium, and Prof Ciaran Mac Donncha (Coordinator, University of Limerick) illustrated the main outcomes and findings of the project.
Dr. Kolë Gjeloshaj (Strategic coordinator at the European Fair-Play Movement – EFPM), previous Chair of the International Fair-Play Committee – CIFP) Scientific Committee, Scientific Collaborator at the Institute of Sociology of the Université Libre de Bruxelles and Vice-President of the Panathlon Wallonie-Bruxelles and Belgium) emphasized the relevance of values for dual career, which need more reflections and future actions.
Navy Officer Florentia Sfakianou (Olympian and Public Affairs Officer at International Military Sports Council – CISM), presented the dual career opportunities offered by military sports to actual and former athletes and the efforts of CISM in organizing one of the largest global sports events.
Dr. Ignazio Cocchiere (Policy officer in the Sport Unit of the European Commission’s department for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport – DG EAC, and soccer player) highlighted the European values and priorities in the field of sport, including the importance of dual career from the viewpoint of the EU and Sport Unit. He also offered his personal dual career experience as a professional football player in Italy, Switzerland and Belgium, and as an employee at the EU institutions.
More information on BRAVA-DC project is available at www.bravadualcareer.eu.
OPENING FOR DUAL CAREER MENTOR CENTER IN LATVIA
On December 12, in the city restaurant “Lapsas Māja”, members of the Latvian University Sports Federation (LUSF) together with his colleagues and representatives of the sports industry opened the Dual Career Mentor Center (DCMC).
At the event, LUSF presented DCMC’s Informative publication “Dual Career Challenges and Options”. The authors of the informative edition are LASS president, Agita Abele, LU professor Anna Liduma, Head of the Department of Teacher Education of the University of Latvia Ilvis Abelkalns, and LSPA Ph.D. student Sofia Spidola Martinsone.
Today, sports and education are two essential areas of personal and professional growth in self-realization. Dual career issues are becoming more and more relevant around the world, especially in youth education, when high school graduates start planning their sports life career, wanting to connect it with education and learning a profession at a university.
An informative – educational publication on Dual career opportunities has been created by the Latvian Student Sports Union (LASS) and the International Student Sports Federation (FISU) within the cooperation project and it can be used by anyone interested in a dual career and the possibilities of realizing it in sports and educational careers.
The event was opened by LASS president Agita Ābele, emphasizing Latvia’s current situation and especially the importance of Dual careers today. Member of the 14th SAEIMA Davis Martins Daugavietis, chairman of the sports subcommittee, emphasized personalities and the importance of competencies and diverse resources, thus motivating the further development of sports and supporting student-athletes in their growth towards academic and chosen excellence in the professional sector.
LASS members and guests discussed future ideas and possibilities in anticipation of the anniversary methods for their effective implementation and various upcoming changes in sports and education in question.
DKMC Informative edition is available on the website: https://studentusports.lv/duala-
career-3/
Information prepared by
Sports Union of Latvian Universities
Between 19-22 November, the second workshop was organized, this time by the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina. OPES Italia was in charge of creating valuable and useful workshop content which they had planned based on the feedback of the participants. The partners have expressed their need that they would like to enable their participants with more project management skills which help them in the future to run similar projects like Sports As Value.
Besides focusing on technical skills such as project design, implementation, budget monitoring, coordination and evaluation systems, the objective of the workshop was to draft a base of a sustainable grassroots sports event management guideline, as well as to start to form the joint actions. The partners have been paired up to organize cooperatively events in their countries about value promotion and sports. The common work will also enhance their relationship for future cooperation. They are also encouraged to help each other as they own diverse useful competencies.
In the upcoming period, the project team will finalise the guidelines and the plan for the joint activities in the Western Balkan region. The next in-person meeting will happen in Montenegro in June when the Olympic Committee will show us how to deliver a sustainable grassroots sports event locally about values in sport.
The TALENT Project aims to promote equal education, prevent exclusion, support Dual Careers, create a new pattern of behaviour to benefit young, talented children, and prepare for lifelong learning and professional sports from childhood.
3rd Meeting of the Partners in Athens, Greece
The 3rd Transnational Partners’ Meeting took place on the 23rd and 24th of November, 2023, in Athens, Greece, and was hosted by KMOP Education and Innovation Hub. During the meeting, the partners discussed finalising the document for the Standards for Identification of Talented Children and the Methodological Handbook with Standards for the Detection and Assessment of the Potential of Talented Children in Sports. The partnership discussed the quality of the results and how they can be used by the target groups – educators and coaches wishing to support the dual career of students and how to recognise talented children in sports.
During the meeting, the partners developed the structure and content of the modules for the E-Stop Platform, in which children, teachers, coaches and parents interested in the topic can register and create a profile. The platform will contain practical information about recognising talent, supporting children, preventing their drop-out, and helping them maintain this dual status in the future by starting a dual-career program. The partners will develop the content, which will be piloted in the participating countries beginning in September 2024.
The contents of the platform will be:
- Positive Youth Development
- Fostering/Moniting Inclusive Environments
- Implementing Teamwork and Shared Insights in Recognising Talent
- Practical Talent Recognition and Support Strategies
The meeting was fruitful, and the partners ensured the development of qualitative results to enhance and support the target groups (coaches, educators and talented children). We are pleased with the outcome of the meeting and the positive atmosphere held throughout this two-day meeting. All representatives showed interactivity and were highly motivated to reach the goals of our project.
We thank you for your visit and for attending this meeting. It was an excellent opportunity to listen to each partner’s views on the project, evaluate its progress, and inspire the next steps of its implementation.
Stay tuned to learn more about the next steps of the project!
You can contact your local organisation implementing the project in your country to learn more and participate in the upcoming activities!
Edited by María José Maciá-Andreu María T. Morales-Belando Lourdes Meroño Antonio Sánchez-Pato, and Juan Alfonso García-Roca, the ebook A Holistic Approach to the Dual Career of the Student-Athlete includes the scientific contributions of the 2022 EAS Conference in Cartagena, Spain, and is available at https://www.dykinson.com/libros/a-holistic-approach-to-the-dual-career-of-the-student-athlete/9788411704861/
REG. NUMBER: Voluntary Organisation registration VO/1270
PIC NUMBER: 913459865
Email: info@dualcareer.eu