Safesport Pathways

Co-funded by the European Union — Erasmus+ Sport | Grant Reference: 101242519 | December 2025 – November 2026 | Total Budget: €60,000

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Co-funded by the European Union

Co-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.

About Safesport Pathways

The Safe Career Development and Protection for Young Migrant Athletes Project — known as SafeSport Pathways — is an EACEA Erasmus+ Sport funded international initiative designed to protect young migrant athletes from exploitation as they pursue opportunities in sport. Every year, thousands of young people travel across borders hoping to build a professional sports career, yet many face deceptive recruitment practices, false promises, or even trafficking. SafeSport Pathways provides these young athletes with the knowledge, guidance, and support they need to make informed decisions and stay safe throughout their sporting journey.

The project brings together experts in sport integrity, youth protection, and community engagement to create a safer environment for aspiring athletes. Through clear, accessible educational tools, SafeSport Pathways explains how to identify legitimate recruitment opportunities, understand contracts, and recognise the warning signs of fraud or abuse. Young people, particularly those moving to new countries, gain essential information about their rights and the support systems available to them.

Main Objective

To protect migrant youth from exploitation in sports recruitment by raising awareness, building capacity, and ensuring access to support mechanisms through targeted education, digital tools, and structured stakeholder engagement — fostering a safer and more transparent sports environment.

Strategic Objectives

  • Develop and disseminate a multilingual digital toolkit and awareness campaigns to safeguard young athletes.
  • Implement a digital-native micro-credential and capacity-building workshops for professionals.
  • Establish a Rapid Response and Reporting Guide and organise a legacy event to ensure sustainable impact.
Teenage footballers on a pitch

Project Partners

Mission 89 — Belgium

Mission 89 is a pioneering organisation dedicated to combating sports trafficking and protecting vulnerable young athletes. It has produced landmark research projects, including the Global Thematic Report on Sport Trafficking and a comprehensive Framework on Safeguarding Children from Trafficking in Sport, which provide essential data and policy recommendations. Its work is built on a strong foundation of evidence-based advocacy, engaging with governments, sports federations, and NGOs to drive meaningful regulatory reforms.

Kampos Saint Denis (KSD) — France

Association Kampos Saint Denis is a community-based organisation dedicated to fostering talent and discipline among young footballers. Focused on regular training sessions, mentorship, and robust community engagement, the association creates a supportive environment where local youth can enhance their skills and pursue professional opportunities. Emphasising values such as hard work, perseverance, and ethical practices in sports, Kampos Saint Denis plays a crucial role in nurturing local talent and building a strong, inclusive sporting community.

Toolkits and Deliverables

Multilingual Digital Toolkit

Interactive and downloadable resources that help athletes recognize risks, understand contracts, and make safe decisions.

Micro-Credential Framework & Materials

Comprehensive report documenting the micro-credential’s design, learning outcomes, and assessment strategy.

Pilot Training Evaluation Report

Pilot testing report documenting training with 30+ coaches, with a focus on toolkit usability, feedback, and refinement recommendations.

Capacity Building Workshop Materials

Complete workshop package including curriculum, facilitator guide, slides, and evaluation tools for both online and in-person formats.

Rapid Response & Reporting Guide

Practical, step-by-step guide for identifying warning signs, reporting, and accessing protection networks. Includes flowcharts and contact directories in 5 languages.