European Sport Safeguarding Education and Promotion Action

ongoing

The European Sport Safeguarding Education and Promotion Action (ESSEPA) project aims to strengthen safeguarding in university sport by developing an innovative online education and certification platform. The project responds to the urgent need to equip student-athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers with knowledge and tools to prevent misconduct, promote ethical values, and foster a safe sporting environment. Safeguarding policies in university sport vary significantly across Europe, leaving many participants without essential training or protection frameworks. To bridge this gap, ESSEPA will research good practices, develop educational content, and implement an accessible online platform that will serve as a standard for safeguarding education at university sporting events. The project is structured into four key areas: - Research & Content Development – Mapping existing policies and best practices, defining core safeguarding themes, and creating tailored educational materials. - Platform Development & Implementation – Designing an interactive online platform with certification modules, ensuring engagement and accessibility. - Communication, Dissemination & Sustainability – Promoting safeguarding education through awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and integration into university sports structures. - Project Management & Coordination – Ensuring effective collaboration, monitoring, and long-term impact across the European university sports sector. ESSEPA platform will be piloted at European university sporting events and remain accessible beyond the project’s duration. It will provide free and scalable safeguarding education, benefiting thousands of university athletes and other target groups, while fostering a culture of safety, fair play, and integrity in sports. Led by EUSA Institute, in collaboration with universities, sports federations and digital experts, ESSEPA will set a new standard for safeguarding education in sport.