The EDU-DC – Education for Dual Careers of football talents project reached an important milestone during its recent meeting in Copenhagen, hosted by the Danish Football Association (DBU). Over two days, partners gathered to review research findings, exchange expertise, and validate the structure of the new EDU-DC Educational Programme. 

In recent months, the consortium – bringing together football federations from Denmark (DBU), the Netherlands (KNVB), Ireland (FAI) and Bulgaria (BFU), academic specialists from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) and the UEFA Academy – collected insights from more than 500 participants across Europe. These findings form the basis of a holistic training framework designed to help players aged 16–21 balance football, education, and personal development. 

During the meeting, partners discussed the main outcomes of the initial research phase, shared experiences from their national contexts, and confirmed the content and approach of the Educational Programme. This Programme will soon be piloted in clubs across Europe, supporting Dual Career Coordinators, coaches and support staff in creating stronger environments for young athletes. 

With the validation phase complete, EDU-DC now moves into implementation, where these tools will be tested and refined within real football settings across Europe. 

More updates will follow as the project enters this next exciting stage.