Open call for participants: “Dive into Youth Participation in Sports Sector” Training Course

New Power in Youth Strategic Partnership invites participants to the “Dive into Youth Participation in the Sports Sector” Training Course — empowering sports clubs to boost youth engagement and to make the most of Erasmus+ opportunities.

Event details

When: 14–17 September 2026 (arrival 14 September, departure 17 September)
Where: Vierumäki, Finland
Application deadline: 8 June 2026
Selection announced: 23 June 2026

Objectives

This special edition of the “Dive into Youth Participation” training course is tailored to the sports sector. It brings together 25 representatives from sports organisations — such as coaches, instructors and leaders — from across Europe to deepen understanding of youth engagement, embed participation within club life, and explore Erasmus+ Youth funding, particularly Key Action 154 – Youth Participation Activities. Participants will gain practical tools to empower young athletes, foster ownership and develop civic competences through sport.

Themes

• Youth engagement in sports clubs: building ownership and active communities among juniors
• Erasmus+ opportunities: unlocking KA154 for youth‑led sports projects
• Practical methods: easy‑to‑implement tools for stronger youth voices
• Networking and exchange: sharing practice and forming international partnerships

Participant profile

Interested applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Representatives of grassroots sports organisations or clubs with youth departments (volunteers or professionals, e.g. coaches, leaders)
• Actively involved in a sports club role (paid or voluntary) and at least 18 years old
• Experience or interest in boosting youth participation, civic engagement and social responsibility
• Able to communicate effectively in English
• Motivated to apply learnings in the long term within their organisation

Participant contributions — participants are encouraged to propose:

• Sharing experiences from youth participation initiatives in sport
• Ideas for integrating youth voices into club activities
• Good practice from Erasmus+ projects, especially KA154

Additional context

This training has already had three editions; this will be a fourth, special edition, and the first focused on sport. Read about one of the previous editions of the Dive into Youth Participation training course: LinkedIn Article.

Application process

Submit the application form with details of your background, motivation (personal and organisational), club description, Erasmus+ experience and expectations. A mandatory online meeting is scheduled for 1 September 2026 (17:00–18:30 CET).

The training course is part of the New Power in Youth Strategic Partnership (NPiY SNAC), hosted by Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). Accommodation, meals, and logistics covered by organisers; travel covered by National Agencies/SALTOs (other NAs/SALTOs welcome if they cover travel).
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