Sport

Why take part in Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ offers grassroots sports staff the opportunity to work with partners across Europe breathing fresh life into international co-operation and boosting the capacity of grassroots sport across the UK. Coaches and other staff at sports clubs can acquire new skills and qualifications. Increased capacity in grassroots sports will promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, as well as boosting social inclusion and equality. The exchange of experience and expertise will also contribute to a European network of coaches and sport staff. Funding will support the role of sport in promoting inclusion, social cohesion and shared values.

What opportunities are available?

Mobility projects (Key Action 1)

Coaches and other staff, including volunteers, can gain international experience with funding for placements abroad. Applications for mobility projects are managed by the National Agency.

Opportunities for staff and volunteers

A project can include one or more of the following activities: 

Job shadowing and observation periods

• What does it involve? Spending time in a hosting organisation to learn new practices and ideas through observation and interactive discussions with peers. 
• Duration: 2-14 days (excluding travel days)

Coaching and training assignments 

• What does it involve? Spending time in a hosting organisation to share best practices and develop new perspectives and skills.
• Duration: 7-45 days (excluding travel days) 

In addition to physical mobility, all staff mobility activities can be blended with virtual learning activities. 

Who can go on an Erasmus+ sport mobility?

• Coaches and other sport staff in sports organisations at grassroots’ level
• Staff in non-grassroots sport, including those engaged in dual careers and non-sport careers, where the participation of such staff can benefit grassroots sport
• Volunteers (other than coaches) in sports organisations

Which organisations can apply for sport mobility funding?

• A public or private organisation active in the sport and physical activity field and organising sport and physical activities at grassroots level (e.g. non-profit organisation, local public authority, sport club).
• A non-grassroots sport organisation if its staff participation benefits grassroot sports (e.g., international organisation, national sport federation).

Other opportunities in Erasmus+ Sport Partnerships (Key Action 2) 

Erasmus+ provides funding for sports organisations to develop partnerships with relevant organisations in different countries to collaborate on common themes and shared goals. 

The following Erasmus+ Sport Key Action 2 activities are available directly through the European Commission (i.e. not managed through the British Council). Applications should be submitted to the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

• Capacity building in the field of sport - this action supports international cooperation initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity of grassroots sport organisations, encouraging the practice of sport and physical activity in EU-associated countries and specific third countries, promoting social inclusion through sport and promoting positive values through sport (such as fair play, tolerance, team spirit). 
• Cooperation Partnerships - this action supports at least three organisations from three different countries to develop innovative practices and collaborate on initiatives to the benefit of the sports sector. 
• Small-scale Partnerships - this action supports at least two organisations from different countries that are smaller grassroots organisations and or new to Erasmus+ to collaborate on initiatives to the benefit of the sports sector. 
• Not for profit European Sport Events - this action supports the organisation of sport events of varying scales with a European dimension. 

More information can be found on the European Commission Website.