Balancing sport and education: the real game-changer for young players
The EDU-DC – EDUcation for Dual Careers of football talents project has officially kicked off! Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, EDU-DC aims to empower young football players aged 16 to 21 to pursue both their education and sporting ambitions.
Football is more than just a game – it’s a path of growth, identity, and opportunity. Yet, for many young players, balancing studies with demanding training schedules can be a real challenge. That’s where EDU-DC steps in.
Running from November 2024 to April 2027, the project brings together a strong European partnership led by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), alongside football federations from Denmark, Bulgaria, and Ireland, academic experts from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), and the sport organisation as communication lead.
EDU-DC’s mission is simple but powerful:
To help young footballers succeed on the pitch and in the classroom.
By training Dual Career Coordinators, coaches, and support staff, the project will build a more supportive environment across clubs and academies. Together, we’re ensuring that every goal scored on the field is matched by success off it.
Follow our journey as we share stories, research, and updates from across Europe – and join us in shaping the future of football education.
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