Second Half - Building Dual Career Pathways

ongoing

"The Second Half project is a cross-border initiative designed to empower professional and retired athletes by equipping them with digital skills, career guidance, and mentorship support to ensure a sustainable transition into post-sport careers. Recognizing that many athletes face uncertainty, career stagnation, and emotional struggles after retiring from competitive sports, this project provides structured pathways to help them remain active, engaged, and professionally fulfilled. The project name, ""Second Half,"" symbolizes the next phase of an athlete’s life, emphasizing that retirement is not the end but an opportunity for reinvention. Athletes often dedicate years to training and competition, leaving them with limited exposure to career development opportunities. Without structured support, many struggle with unemployment, loss of identity, and self-doubt. The Second Half project aims to break this cycle, enabling athletes to proactively shape their futures, contribute to their communities, and establish meaningful careers. Led by the Croatian Olympic Committee (COC) in partnership with World Without Walls (WWW - Macedonia) and the Romanian Olympic Committee (ROSC), the consortium integrates expertise in sports governance, digital learning, and career transition support. The Macedonian Olympic Committee (MOC) joins as an associated partner, ensuring greater outreach and engagement with athletes. The Second Half Digital Career Platform will serve as the central hub for digital training, career counselling and support, ensuring accessibility for athletes from various backgrounds, including those facing economic, educational, and geographical barriers. The project promotes inclusivity by targeting female athletes, retired sports professionals, and those with fewer career opportunities."