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On December 11–12, 2025 the EAS Board Members Dr. Antonio Figueiredo and dr. Antonio Sánchez Pato actively participated in the I International Symposium on Mentoring for High-Performance Student-Athletes, held on 11–12 December 2025 at the Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education in A Coruña (Spain). This event represented the first international symposium of its kind held in Spain and was organised by the Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR) and the Universidade da Coruña (UDC), funded by the Spanish Higher Sports Council (CSD), and auspiced by the University Network for Dual Career Mentoring (RUMDE). This Network is endorsed by EAS.

The symposium was conceived as an academic and scientific forum dedicated to the analysis, development and dissemination of mentoring models supporting the dual careers of high-performance student-athletes in higher education. It brought together international researchers, university representatives and sport-related stakeholders to exchange knowledge, present research evidence and discuss institutional strategies aimed at improving academic support, mentoring structures and long-term career development for student-athletes across Europe.

Dr. Antonio Figueiredo contributed his recognised international expertise in talent development, dual career transitions and programme evaluation, engaging in comparative analyses of European mentoring models and participating in strategic discussions on improving institutional frameworks and sport policies supporting high-performance student-athletes across different national and organisational contexts.

Dr. Antonio Sánchez Pato contributed through scientific coordination, academic leadership and conceptual input, particularly in relation to the design and consolidation of inter-university mentoring networks for high-performance student-athletes. His participation focused on presenting and discussing research-based evidence derived from structured mentoring initiatives, emphasising educational quality, ethical mentoring practices and the holistic development of student-athletes.

The joint participation of both EAS Board Members ensured strong alignment with the mission and strategic objectives of the EAS, particularly regarding the promotion of evidence-based dual career policies, the advancement of mentoring as a key support mechanism, international academic cooperation and knowledge exchange, and the integration of research, education and sport governance in Europe.

In fact, the symposium contributed to strengthening international research and professional networks, enhancing cooperation between universities and sport organisations, and establishing mentoring as a central component for supporting high-performance student-athletes’ academic success, personal development and long-term career sustainability, fully consistent with the values and priorities of the EAS.