Partners
The EDU-DC consortium brings together football federations, universities, and sport organisations from across Europe. Each partner contributes unique expertise to help young football players successfully combine sport and education.
The partnership covers five EU countries — the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Bulgaria, and Belgium — ensuring strong regional diversity and wide impact across Europe.
Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond (KNVB) – The Netherlands
- Role: Project Coordinator
- Contact: Bart Goudswaard
The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) is the largest sports federation in the Netherlands, with over 1.2 million members. As the national governing body for football, KNVB promotes both grassroots and elite football and uses the power of sport to make a positive social impact.
In EDU-DC, KNVB leads the project coordination and implementation of pilot actions. Building on its national dual career vision, the association aims to raise awareness of the benefits of dual careers, enhance education for players and staff, and integrate holistic development approaches across men’s and women’s football.
Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) – Bulgaria
- Role: Project Partner
- Contact: Sunny Debarska – Paneva
The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) is the national governing body for football in Bulgaria, managing 36 professional and 630 amateur clubs, representing over 40,000 players. As a member of FIFA and UEFA, the BFU plays a leading role in developing the sport from grassroots to elite levels.
BFU contributes its strong infrastructure, experience, and commitment to youth and women’s football development. In EDU-DC, the federation leads pilot activities with clubs, focusing on promoting education, equality, and sustainable dual career structures within Bulgarian football.
Danish Football Association (DBU) – Denmark
- Role: Project Partner
- Contact: Laura Christensen Hald
The Danish Football Association (DBU) was founded in 1889 and is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected football federations. With over 1,600 clubs and 360,000 members, DBU is a cornerstone of Danish sport.
DBU brings its well-established club licensing model, which already integrates Dual Career standards for academies. Through EDU-DC, DBU aims to strengthen its Dual Career education system, build new content for DC coordinators, and further develop the role of coaches as mentors for player education and wellbeing.
Football Association of Ireland (FAI) – Ireland
- Role: Project Partner
- Contact: Michael Mccarthy
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) governs football at all levels across Ireland, from grassroots to national teams. Its mission is to increase participation, improve player pathways, and ensure high-quality experiences for players, coaches, referees, and volunteers.
In EDU-DC, FAI leads pilot activities in Irish football academies, in cooperation with the League of Ireland and the players’ union (PFAI). The federation promotes dual career awareness, supports the creation of DC standards for clubs, and ensures equal access to educational opportunities for all young athletes.
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) – Belgium
- Role: Project Partner as DC Expertise Centre
- Contact: Koen de Brandt
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is one of Europe’s leading research universities, known for its work in sport psychology, athlete mental health, and dual career development. Its “Sport Psychology and Mental Support” research group and “Top Sport & Study” department have coordinated several EU-funded dual career projects.
In EDU-DC, VUB provides scientific leadership, developing the methodology, training framework, and evaluation tools for the Educational Programme. The university ensures that all activities are research-based, inclusive, and aligned with EU guidelines for athletes’ dual careers.
European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) – Europe
- Role: Project Partner as Communication & Dissemination Lead
- Contact: Martijn Looren de Jong
The European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) connects multisport organisations and federations from across Europe, promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in sport. EMCA has extensive experience in leading communication and dissemination in Erasmus+ projects.
In EDU-DC, EMCA leads the Communication and Dissemination Work Package, managing the project’s visibility, online presence, and knowledge sharing. EMCA develops the project website, coordinates the Ambassadors Team, prepares newsletters, and ensures that results reach football clubs, federations, and the wider European sport community.
A Strong European Collaboration
Together, these six partners create a powerful alliance — combining practical football expertise, academic research, and international outreach.
Their shared goal:
👉 Empower young football players between 16 and 21 years old to build successful dual careers, combining education and sport for a brighter future.