Jun 11, 2021
The PROMobility project, financed by the EU under the ‘Exchanges and Mobility in Sport’ Preparatory Action, aims to develop cooperation in sport through job shadowing for the staff and volunteers at player associations in Europe and South Africa. Its goal is to improve the skills and knowledge base of key personnel at player associations thereby enabling them to better support their athletes. By improving the operation of player associations, the outcome of the project will be long lasting as the institutions develop through best practice and are better placed to continue their vital role supporting elite athletes.
The project, running from January 2021until December 2022, includes 16 partners, 20 PAs from 13 countries covering 8 sports and representing over 10,000 elite athletes. Because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the implementation of the project has been modified. It was decided to start with a series of Online Exchanges on five different topics:
* Player recruitment and engagement
* Player personal development
* Commercial development and Marketing
* Communications and media
* Best response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
While it will depend on the sanitary situation, the physical job shadowing visits should start in 2022.
First Online Exchange on Player recruitment and engagement has taken place on 10th of June 2021. After the presentations from Natalia Orive (AJFSF, Spain) and Eugene Henning (My Players, South Africa) more than 20 participants engaged in discussions on the topic. The meeting allowed them to share experiences, learn from each other and develop good practice.
The Online Exchange on response to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic will take place on the 22nd of June, and the next ones will follow after the summer.
Jun 8, 2021
On the 7th of June, the EU Athletes General Assembly took place online due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Nearly 30 participants and representatives of player and athlete unions and associations from different sports and countries in Europe expressed their concerns for the circumstances and their hope to meet soon in person.
Despite the difficult situation for carrying on international projects and cooperation activities, the staff presented the positive results achieved by the association over the past year. In addition, Camille Delzant presented an innovative project coordinated by FNASS about professionalization of women’s sport. The General Assembly agenda also included discussions about the current review of EU Athletes Common Position Paper and the plan to furtherly research into the effects of the pandemic on players and their player unions and associations.
During the Assembly, members welcomed the development of a partnership between EU Athletes and FIFPro, and voted for Joachim Walltin, FIFPRO Europe General Secretary, to be part of the EU Athletes Board. Alessandro Marzoli (Giocatori Italiani Basket Associati) and Sander van der Holst (NL Sporter) were re-elected for the next terms. After contributing to EU Athletes’ work for over 12 years in different roles, Jean-François Reymond decided to not stand for re-election as the Board member. EU Athletes members and staff thanked Jeff for his valuable efforts and commitment and wished him all best best in the future.
Apr 23, 2021
EU Athletes has noted the report and recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes Commission which were approved by the IOC Executive Board on the 21st of April 2021. We are deeply concerned by the decision taken by the IOC and believe that the consultation process and the rule 50 itself are not compatible with the human rights of athletes.
By restricting its consultation to the Athletes Committees and Commissions, the IOC Athlete Commission disregarded the voices of thousands of athletes being represented by the independent unions and associations, as well as their human rights such as freedom of association and the right to organize. Regardless of numerous issues related to the methodology of the IOC AC consultation, there is no survey that could change the fact that freedom of speech and expression are universally recognized human rights that athletes enjoy.
The IOC’s approach to freedom of speech and expression consists of an attempt to restrict, redefine and control the way that the athletes exercise their fundamental human right. Threatening to sanction athletes who peacefully protest on issues such as racism is not only inconsistent with human rights, but also goes against the values that the IOC claims to support.
The idea that a sport organization can restrict or redefine the human rights of athletes is simply unacceptable. These rights, including the right to protest, are recognized and guaranteed by national constitutions and international human rights instruments. We are calling on governments, international organizations, and sport stakeholders to encourage the IOC to amend rule 50 and allow peaceful demonstrations on issues that are important to athletes and wider society.
EU Athletes continues to work to ensure that the athletes we represent enjoy the same fundamental rights as any other European citizen. We are committed to working with our members and the player association movement to support athletes who wish to peacefully protest or demonstrate on issues such as human rights or social justice, in whatever way they choose.
Statement
Apr 15, 2021
Every year since 2014, the 15th of April is an opportunity to show the commitment and make a stand against match-fixing. This awareness raising initiative consists of a social media campaign that can be supported by all stakeholders: public authorities, sports organizations, betting operators and regulators, athletes, coaches, referees, fans and other organizations and people who care about the integrity in sport.
Match-fixing is widely recognized as a major threat for today’s sport, undermining the integrity of the game. Because of organized crime involvement, it can put athletes and other individuals at serious danger. If not acted upon, the corruption could lead to loss of public faith and ultimately destroy sports that we all love. Considering the complexity and gravity of the problem, it requires commitment, cooperation and coordination between different stakeholders and an active involvement of athletes and their associations.
For Paulina Tomczyk, the General Secretary of EU Athletes: ‘With the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 on sport and the increased risks for organized crime involvement and sport corruption, the continuous focus on the integrity of sport is crucial. Athlete associations want to be a part of the solution, and I am happy to see the campaign develop and grow, with more stakeholders showing their support every year’.
This year, the #EUSportIntegrityDay campaign has seen a significant support. Its has been promoted by player and athlete associations alongside several public and private stakeholders in the fight against match fixing, including the European Commission, Sports Group of the European Parliament and Interpol.
For more information about the campaign, you can visit the website.
Mar 11, 2021
EU Athletes is looking for an intern to support the team in management and implementation of ongoing European-wide projects. The internship will also include daily communication and administrative tasks, as well as development and policy work in different areas, according to the profile and preferences of the successful candidate.
The position will provide an excellent opportunity to gain work experience in the professional sport sector, working for independent organisation representing European athletes from different sports.
Timing and conditions: 4-5 months paid internship, starting in April 2021. Remote work, with possible travel within Europe (depending on the situation).
Profile of the intern:
- Student currently enrolled in Master’s degree programme or a recent graduate;
- Knowledge of Erasmus+ programme and methodology of projects management;
- Excellent writing, summarizing and reporting skills,
- Computer and social media skills;
- Sociable, with strong communication and people skills;
- Strong organizational skills; autonomy, mobility and flexibility;
- Fluent in English, knowledge of other European languages is a plus.
An interest in the professional sports environment is an advantage, as well as a sensitivity for (sports) trade unionism and the rights of athletes. Finally, a reflection/knowledge on the impact of the European law and policies on the professional sports sector would be highly appreciated.
Interested candidates are asked to send their application (CV and a short cover letter) before the 25th of March 2021. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, which will take place at the end of March.
Contact: Paulina Tomczyk, General Secretary paulinatomczyk@euathletes.org
Internship offer
