FAITH Project Kicks Off:
Shaping the Future of Youth Values in Sport
The FAITH project (Faith for the Future of Sport) has officially begun, bringing together experts, sports organizations, and academic institutions from across Europe. Supported by Erasmus+, the project aims to address the evolving values in youth sports and strengthen the role of sport as a positive force in society.
Over the next two years, FAITH will conduct extensive research, develop new coaching methodologies, and establish a European network to support sports organizations in working with young athletes. The project seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges sports organizations face due to changing values among young people, promote the development of positive values through future-oriented coaching, and create new opportunities for international collaboration between sports clubs, institutions and policy makers. A key outcome will be a declaration, led by young people, advocating for the core values that will shape the future of sport.
The official launch was marked by an online kick-off meeting in February 2025, where partners from various countries gathered to discuss the project’s structure, objectives, and upcoming activities. The meeting introduced the main work areas, including research on youth values in sport, the development of pilot workshops for both athletes and coaches, and a communication strategy to disseminate the project’s findings across Europe. The first physical meeting will take place in Italy in April 2025, where the initial phases of the project will be further developed.
The project is led by N.Y.S.A, with Lucy Southgate as Project Manager and Emma Cotterill and Kristoffer Pilmalm as Project Coordinators. FAITH brings together a diverse team of experts from different countries and fields, including Marita Mattila, Professor of Sport Science from Finland, Marcus Egnell from IFK Norrköping in Sweden, and Maurizio Bertollo, Professor in Exercise and Sport Science and Alexios Kolitsopoulos from Italy, Anita Gulczynska from Poland, Saila Heiskanen and Elisa Sourinen from Finland.
In the coming months, FAITH will take the next steps by finalizing partnership agreements and financial structures, launching research on youth values in sport, and developing the project’s branding strategy. The team is also preparing for the first in-person meeting in Italy, where the practical aspects of research and pilot programs will take shape.
Join the Conversation!
FAITH is more than just a project – it is a movement for the future of sport. Through collaboration, research, and innovative coaching methods, FAITH will contribute to a stronger and more values-driven sporting culture across Europe. Stay updated on the project’s progress and follow us on our digital platforms to learn more about the latest developments and opportunities to engage in shaping a positive future for youth sports.
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