The EDU-DC – EDUcation for Dual Careers of football talents project has officially begun its first activities with a productive Kick-Off Meeting hosted by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB). Partners from Denmark, Bulgaria, Ireland, Belgium and the European Multisport Club Association gathered in Zeist to align the project’s goals and next steps for the coming years. 

Running from November 2024 to April 2027 and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, EDU-DC aims to help young football players aged 16 to 21 successfully combine their sporting ambitions with education and personal development. The Kick-Off Meeting marked the starting point of this shared mission. 

During the meeting, partners discussed the project’s work plan, research activities and the implementation of national pilots across five countries. These pilots will include 20 clubs across Europe, helping us map current dual career practices, monitor player experiences and develop new training programmes for coaches, Dual Career Coordinators and support staff. 

With the project now fully underway, EDU-DC is ready to strengthen dual career structures across European football and ensure that every young player can pursue success both on the pitch and in the classroom. 

Stay tuned for our next updates as we move into the first phase of research and pilot preparation.