The European Commission has approved the implementation of the Erasmus+ project “VALUES – Virtues and Leadership Unlocked through Engaging Sport,” which aims to empower young female athletes through sport, encourage the development of their leadership competencies, and promote positive social values. The kick-off meeting was held online on November 20th, 2025, and over the next two years partner organizations from Serbia, Slovenia, Lithuania, and Montenegro will work together on creating a healthier, more inclusive, and safer sporting environment where integrity, respect, cooperation, and gender equality are valued just as highly as sporting results. A key outcome of the project will be the establishment of the “Sport for Values” Quality Mark, a certification system that will support and recognize sports clubs across Europe that promote ethical conduct, equal access to sport, and the holistic development of youth.
The Montenegrin organization PASTECHL plays an important role in this effort, particularly in the field of innovative education in sport and strengthening the capacities of sports professionals. By contributing to research, digital tools, and the education of coaches and sports leaders, PASTECHL will support clubs in integrating character development and life skills into their everyday training processes. In doing so, young female athletes will gain new opportunities to discover their potential, actively participate in sports communities, and build the foundations for personal success and social inclusion.
The VALUES project, with its European approach and transnational cooperation, contributes significantly to the development of sport policies in the European Union. The results that will emerge from the joint work of partners will be applicable across various sports and social contexts, with a clear ambition to positively influence future generations of young female and male athletes throughout Europe. This initiative represents an important step towards a sporting environment that develops not only champions, but also responsible, confident, and socially engaged individuals.