From December 11 to 13, Warsaw hosted the Grassroots & Social Sports: Education, Inclusion, Development training organised by SALTO-YOUTH (Support, Advanced Learning and Training Opportunities for Youth) and coordinated by the Polish National Agency for the Erasmus+ Programme and European Solidarity Corps. 

The training aimed to present initiatives and practices related to the role of sport as a social and educational tool, particularly in the youth work areas of inclusion, integration, education, promotion of values ​​and tolerance, and combating discrimination and exclusion. Representing the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and teh EUSA Institute was European Solidarity Corps volunteer Jan Hussu.

The training began with an official introduction by the moderator Dora Farago, who outlined the training goals. Icebreaker activities followed, allowing participants to connect and share their diverse backgrounds and expertise in sports and Erasmus+ projects.

The core of the training took place on Thursday during the Erasmus+ Sport Conference at the Mercure Hotel. The first part of the conference focused on the role of Activities of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System in the area of sport and physical activity, activities of the Polish Ministry of Sport and Tourism in the area of grassroots sports and education through sport, the European Commission on European Union policies in the area of sport and physical activity and Erasmus+ Sport KA2, "EU Work Plan in the field of sport for 2024-27".

After the coffee break, a discussion panel followed, addressing topics like Sport as an educational and social tool, Polish National programmes and initiatives in the field of physical education, Inclusion and integration through sport, and the role of Erasmus+ in the development of grassroots sport on local and European level were discussed. After the panel, participants learned from case studies of successful Erasmus+ projects.

The networking lunch allowed participants to share experiences, discuss future projects and build partnerships. Later sessions included a presentation on the European Week of Sport in Gdansk and a final discussion panel on mental health in sports. This panel featured Olympic medalists and mental advocates Oktawia Nowacka, Anna Kiełbasińska and sports psychologist Julia Badowska. The day concluded with presentations of participant organizations and insights into project methodologies led by Jakub Kalinowski.

The last day began with a yoga and breathing session led by Olympic medalist Oktawia Nowacka. After breakfast, participant-led workshops explored different techniques, strategies and expertise for developing inclusive and impactful sports projects. These hands-on sessions encouraged collaboration and knowledge-sharing among attendees.

The training provided invaluable insights into the role of Erasmus+ projects in sports and fostered new ideas for creating impactful initiatives. Participants benefited from networking opportunities, exchanging best practices, and exploring potential collaborations.

This event exemplified how sports can bridge communities, promote social inclusion, and inspire educational growth, reinforcing the Erasmus+ program’s mission to empower youth through innovative and inclusive initiatives.