Every season, thousands of young footballers in Europe dream of turning professional. But the reality is that only a small percentage reach the top levels of the sport. For the rest, education becomes their greatest asset – a foundation for confidence, identity, and long-term wellbeing. 

That’s why EDU-DC – EDUcation for Dual Careers of football talents focuses on building sustainable dual career pathways. The project takes a holistic approach, addressing eight key dimensions that shape a player’s growth: 
sports performance, education, employability, wellbeing, identity development, financial literacy, life skills, and social engagement. 

Research across Europe shows that athletes who combine sport with education are more likely to: 

• Stay motivated and balanced 

• Build stronger social and professional skills 

• Transition smoothly into life after sport 

• Enjoy better mental health and self-esteem 

EDU-DC will train more than 200 coaches, 20 Dual Career Coordinators, and 60 Dual Career Support Providers (DCSPs), directly reaching over 400 players - half of them women. 

By strengthening the people who support athletes – coaches, mentors, coordinators – EDU-DC helps ensure that every player can build both a successful sporting and educational future. 

Because football isn’t only about winning matches – it’s about building lives.