Ongoing Projects

Universal Sports for Social Impact (USSI)

Project Title:

Universal Sports for Social Impact (USSI)

Overview:

USSI is a pioneering transnational initiative under the Erasmus+ Sport 2024 – Capacity Building action (Project No. 101183224), co-funded by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). With a strong emphasis on values-based education through sport, USSI utilizes the methodologies and philosophy of martial arts to promote social inclusion, personal development, peace, and international cooperation in grassroots sports.

Focusing primarily on the Western Balkans—Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro—the project aims to transfer and adapt the proven “Sport Academy Methodology”, enhancing local capacity, empowering coaches and educators, and engaging marginalized communities through non-formal learning in sport.

Key Objectives:

  • To build the institutional and practical capacities of grassroots sport organizations in non-EU partner countries.
  • To adapt and transfer the “Sport Academy Methodology”, a best practice combining martial arts education with personal and social skills development.
  • To equip coaches and educators with tools and training for integrating values such as respect, focus, discipline, and tolerance into sports instruction.
  • To promote peace, inclusion, and cooperation in diverse communities through sport-based education.
  • To foster international collaboration and shared learning among sports institutions and stakeholders across the participating regions.

Main Activities:

  • Adaptation of best practices into local contexts, supported by a TOOL-KIT for integration.
  • Localization of learning modules and development of “Train-the-Trainer” content to ensure scalable delivery.
  • Capacity-building workshops and mentorship for 40+ coaches and educators.
  • Community Events and Demo Days applying martial arts values, targeting inclusive public engagement.
  • Dissemination of results through digital and public outreach, including media and networking platforms.

Target Groups:

  • Grassroots sport organizations and staff (coaches, educators)
  • Youth and marginalized groups, especially in Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro
  • Policy stakeholders involved in sport, education, and youth development
  •  International sport organizations promoting intercultural dialogue and inclusion

Partnership & Coordination:

The project involves a strong consortium of 9 partners from across Europe:

  1. Ujbuda Judo Sports Association (Hungary) – coordinator
  2. University Sports Center of Palermo (Italy)
  3. Polytechnic Institute of Santarém (Portugal)
  4. PJA Sports Consultancy and Projects (Portugal)
  5. Albanian Sports Sciences Association (Albania)
  6. People in Focus (Albania)
  7. Center for Research and Studies in Physical Education, Sport and Health (Kosovo)
  8. Physical Activity and Sports Tech for Healthy Lifestyles (Montenegro)
  9. University of Montenegro (Montenegro)

Project Duration and Budget:

  • Duration: 24 months
  • Grant Amount: €193,331.88
  • Funding Scheme: Erasmus Lump Sum Grant
  • Granting Authority: European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA)

Relevance and Impact:

USSI promotes social inclusion, positive values, and youth development through martial arts-based education. It strengthens grassroots sport in the Western Balkans, empowers coaches, engages marginalized youth, and fosters regional cooperation, aligning with EU priorities on inclusion, health, and cross-border collaboration through sport.

Keywords:

Martial arts, social inclusion, grassroots sport, values education, youth empowerment, capacity building, regional cooperation, Sport Academy, peacebuilding.