Save the Date: EDU-DC International Conference on Dual Career 2026

International Conference on Dual Career "How to Support Football Players on and off the pitch"

On 25 September 2026, football professionals, academy staff, coaches, dual career experts and talent development specialists from across Europe will gather at the iconic BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, for the final conference of the EDU-DC – Education for Dual Careers of Football Talents project.

The conference will bring together leading football organisations, researchers and practitioners to explore one key question: how can clubs better support the holistic development of young football players both on and off the pitch?

Throughout the day, participants will discover practical approaches, successful models and innovative methods that help talented footballers balance sporting ambitions with education, personal development and preparation for life beyond football.

About EDU-DC

The EDU-DC project supports talented football players aged 16–21 by strengthening the knowledge and competencies of the people who support them every day. Through a comprehensive educational programme, the project equips coaches, counsellors, dual career coordinators and other professionals with tools to help young athletes successfully combine football, education and personal development.

The project promotes a holistic approach to talent development, recognising that successful players are not only athletes, but individuals preparing for long-term success both within and beyond sport.

What to expect

The conference programme will begin with a plenary session featuring keynote speakers from the football and dual career sectors. Participants will also be introduced to the main outcomes of the EDU-DC project, including:

  • The graduation of Dual Career Coordinators from 16 participating pilot clubs
  • Findings from an international study on dual career best practices in football
  • Practical tools and educational resources developed throughout the project

During the afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to join practical workshops led by organisations recognised for their expertise in talent development and dual career support. Representatives from leading football organisations and clubs will share real-life experiences, challenges and solutions that can be applied within different football environments for boys and girls.

Confirmed speakers

The conference will feature keynote contributions from:

  • Stephane Ehrhart, Career Transition Expert (UEFA Academy)
  • Stephan Hakkers, Dual Career Expert (EDU-DC)

 

After the lunch break 6 workshop sessions will be delivered by:

  • The Football Association (England) together with Crystal Palace
  • Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB – Netherlands) together with SC Cambuur
  • Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
  • Athletic Club Bilbao (Spain)

Two additional contributors and workshop leaders will be announced in the coming months.

Who should attend?

The conference is designed for professionals working in football, education and athlete support, including:

  • Football federation staff
  • Football academy staff
  • Coaches and coach educators
  • Heads of Academies
  • Heads of Talent Development
  • Career counsellors
  • Dual Career Coordinators
  • Lifestyle and study coaches
  • Sports psychologists
  • Dual Career experts and advisors
  • Football managers and agents
  • Representatives of sport federations and Olympic Committees

Practical Information

Date: Friday, 25 September 2026
Time: 10:00–18:00
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany

Participation is free of charge. Registration will be mandatory and places will be limited to 120 participants. A maximum of two representatives per football organisation will be able to attend.

Secure Your Place

Participation in the EDU-DC Conference is free of charge, but registration is mandatory. With only 120 places available and a maximum of two representatives per organisation, early registration is recommended.

Register here

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