What We Do

Across Europe, sport is increasingly recognised as a powerful tool to address societal challenges. In this context, Sport for Social Impact (S4SI) initiatives contribute directly to key EU priorities and to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, the proven potential of S4SI can only be fully harnessed (a) if it is provided by well-governed and healthy organisations, and (b) if their S4SI programmes are guided by clear educational concepts.

But although most sport professionals are aware of the great potential to contribute to a positive social impact in and through sport, many entry- to mid-level sport professionals still face significant challenges in translating policy ambitions into effective, sustainable and impactful practice.

Practice shows that they either (a) lack specific knowledge to design impactful sports programmes that intentionally include skills development aspects, or (b) they lack expertise in setting up and growing appropriate organisational architectures, which are needed to provide a sustainable S4SI programme offer to European sport participants. This is because sport professionals often lack access to tailored, practice-oriented professional development opportunities. As a result, many S4SI initiatives remain fragmented, short-term or insufficiently embedded in strong organisational structures.

The BOOST project responds to these challenges by designing a structured capacity building initiative that is aimed at empowering emerging leaders and practitioners in the field of S4SI. Our accelerator and mentoring programme provide personalized guidance to help entry-level professionals design, refine, develop, or strengthen a concrete initiative that uses sport as a tool for positive social impact. It allows them to connect with inspiring peers, which includes experienced sport professionals who act as their mentors.

Unlike generic coaching or personal development programmes, BOOST focuses on practical, time-bound, project-oriented learning. It means that a mentee will join the programme with a specific idea or challenge that they wish to develop. Throughout the mentoring journey, our mentors accompany them throughout this process, helping them clarify their goals, strengthen their skills, overcome barriers, and translate their vision into tangible actions and results.

Through a combination of one-to-one mentoring, group learning moments, online learning, and participation in an international community of peers, the Boost mentoring programme aims to broaden all participants’ competencies, deepen their understanding of the sector, and expand their network. It means that we also contribute to the participants’ long-term growth as sport leaders committed to social impact.

With it, we seek to enhance the professional skills and competences of sport professionals, to improve the quality, effectiveness and long-term sustainability of sport organisations and S4SI programmes, to support the alignment of grassroots sport initiatives with EU policies and the UN SDGs, and to foster a sustainable European community of practice for sport professionals seeking to boost social impact in and through sport.

Boost is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.