The EUSA Forum 2024, a key event within the ESOM Project (Enhancing Sport Organisations and Management), recently hosted a series of engaging presentations and dynamic round table discussions on the 13th of July in Debrecen.

The EUSA Forum was part of the educational activities forseen and implemented during the European Universities Games taking place in Debrecen and Miskolc, Hungary.

Moderated by Mr Andreas Csonka, EUSA Executive Committee Member, the forum focused on "Synergies and Education - More Than Games," aiming to shape future leaders through sport in a competitive Europe.

The forum was opened by the presentation of Mr Jörg Förster, EUSA Vice-President, highlighting the ongoing challenges and the need for further development. He emphasized that EUSA's greatest honor is to enrich students' lives and shape future generations through sustainable, inclusive projects, showcasing how sport can change the world.

The next presenter was, FISU Executive Committee member, Chair - of the FISU Student Committee, and Director of International Relations at MEFS - Hungarian University Sports Federation, Ms Agnes Ancic Valkai, representing FISU, who discussed the synergies in university sports. EUSA has been an associate member of FISU since 2007, and she underscored the importance of FISU values, sporting, and educational events, including upcoming championships.

Prof. Laura Capranica the President of European Athletes Student (EAS) and member of the Consultative Committee Bureau of EPAS Council of Europe discussed opportunities for universities and their student-athletes, emphasizing the dual career of athletes. She provided examples of existing projects like "More Than Gold," which developed dual career guidelines to strengthen policies at higher education institutions. Capranica stressed the need to increase the percentage of athletes engaged in studies related to sports, currently at only 25%.

Ms Alessia de Iulis, Project Coordinator of ENGSO Youth and Committee Member, spoke about giving youth a real say in sport and establishing strong alliances to empower youth development. She highlighted initiatives like the Youth Integrity Ambassador Program with EUSA and the YouMind Project, aimed at creating opportunities within the European youth sports sector, and emphasized the importance of youth. 

Ms Marianna Pikul representing the University Sports Association of Poland (AZS) discussed the organization’s role in Polish university championships and international competitions, focusing on integrity. She highlighted actions connected to senior and kids' sports events and promotional measures for sports, emphasizing the "Youth full of passion” and “The best time for development” principles. 

Ms Claudia Southwell, Junior Manager Delegation Services for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games, outlined the scale of the upcoming FISU World University Games Summer. With 18 sports and up to 10,000 athletes from 170 countries, the event spans multiple cities. She emphasized the cooperation with the European Universities Games 2024, including NUSF coordination and volunteer training in Miskolc.

The final speaker, Mr Bíró Szabolcs, Managing Director of the Hungarian University Sports Federation, presented EUG Debrecen-Miskolc 2024, focused on cooperation and partnerships between the two cities and the National Sports Federation. He highlighted branding and communication under the theme "More than Games," aiming to tell a compelling story about university sports and collaboration with MEFS- Hungarian University Sports Federation.

The roundtable brought all presenters together to discuss leveraging synergies and collaboration for greater efficiency in the youth sector especially focusing on university sports. Mr. Jörg Förster, EUSA Vice - President emphasized sharing knowledge and experience to create platforms within the academic sector and help the university athletes to create opportunities for the future. The roundtable discussion mainly focused on involving youth by seeking their opinions, while ENGSO Youth's Alessia de Iulis discussed improving youth involvement in decision-making processes and creating space for youth empowerment. All the partners concluded with the common thought that university sports and federations have to be open to fresh ideas, encouraging innovation and new approaches in the circle of youth. 

Following the roundtable session, a reception was held, providing an opportunity for speakers and attendees to network and discuss the day’s topics in a more informal setting. The reception buzzed with lively conversations, reflecting the enthusiasm and shared commitment to advancing university sports. Attendees enjoyed refreshments while exchanging ideas and building connections, setting the stage for future collaborations and initiatives.

The EUSA Forum successfully highlighted the importance of collaboration, youth involvement, and the development of future leaders through sports, setting a positive tone for the continued advancement of university sports in Europe.

Among the present attendees of the Forum, were the participants in the Observer Program of EUG 2024. 

After taking part in the official program, the Observer Program attendees continued their visit to the main facilities, part of the European Universities Games 2024. The Observer Program team had the chance to visit accomodation, volunteering center, accreditation center, as well as the sports venues and matches of the ongoing sports: futsal, football and 3x3 basketball.