An intense yet extremely knowledge-filled and inspiring EUSA Conference was held in the city of Aveiro in Portugal, which brought together some of the wisest minds and highest authorities in European University Sport.

Held at the University of Aveiro on September 26 and organised in conjunction with Portuguese University Sport Federation FADU, the Conference brought together EUSA’s member associations, partners, invited guests, speakers and local university authorities to discuss various topics regarding university sport, it’s challenges and future plans.

Over 150 participants from all over Europe, as well as guests from visiting countries and continents, were in attendance at the event, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the European University Sport Association.



Following the welcome addresses from University of Aveiro Rector Mr Paulo Jorge Ferreira, EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek and FADU President Mr Daniel Monteiro, the Conference began in earnest with a round table regarding good governance in sport, moderated by EUSA Executive Committee Member Mr Bruno Barracosa.



Speakers Mr Joao Gabriel Silva, the former Rector of the University of Coimbra, EUSA Honorary Member Mr Olaf Tabor, EUSA Student Commission Chair Ms Anna Edes and Senior Advisor at Cross Culture Project Association Mr Jens Nymand Christensen shared their insight, experiences and valuable tips regarding good governance, while taking on questions from the audience as well.



This round table was proceeded by an engaging discussion about female leadership in sport, moderated by EUSA Treasurer Mr Lorenz Ursprung. The speakers included Chair of Women in Football Ms Ebru Koksal, Auditor of the Swedish Sports Confederation Ms Kristina Thuree, President of the Swedish University Sports Federation Mr Sture Espwall and President of the Latvian University Sports Federation Ms Agita Abele, who shared a number of good examples of women in their associations, including themselves, taking up positions of leaderships, while also posing challenging questions about the difficulties faced by women in sport across the continent.

The round table served as a good starting point to present activities of the European University Sports Association, which go beyond the action in various sports venues, with our commitment in various projects testament to our drive for social change. The EUSA Institute is involved in several diverse projects, ranging from education and dual career to safeguarding sport, social responsibility and equal opportunities. Most relevant for this round table was project GETZ – Gender Equality Toolkit for generation Z – one of the European Union-funded projects, which the EUSA Institute is a proud partner of. The aim of the project is to address the issues around the lack of women involved in leadership and management across the sport sector. The objective of GETZ project is to raise awareness and educate Generation Z (those born between 1995 and 2009) to challenge the inequalities that currently exist in sport and result in an underrepresentation of women in top positions. The other is the HALT project, Halting Harassment and Abuse in Sports using Learning Technologies, looking to raise awareness of best practices in combating violence and tackling racism, discrimination and intolerance in sport.

The afternoon session brought together some of the most experienced heads as FISU First Vice-President Mr Leonz Eder moderated a roundtable discussion including Mr Matytsin, Mr Roczek, Mr Monteiro and EUSA Honorary Member Ms Alison Odell who reflected on the past 20 years of EUSA so far, it’s growth, improvements, milestones as well as future focus.



The final session was conducted by EUSA Treasurer Mr Ursprung, who presented the association’s development strategy for the next five years.



Mr Milan Zvan, Chair of EUSA’s Education Commission, concluded the day’s packed agenda by summing up the Conference programme and sharing his final remarks.



EUSA’s 20th anniversary celebrations will continue with the Extraordinary General Assembly on Friday, September 27 which will culminate in the annual Awards Ceremony and Gala dinner.