Project Information
Project Reference: 2021-2-FR02-KA220-YOU-000050757
Status: Completed
Duration: March 2022 – December 2024
EU Grant: €232,460
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Cooperation Partnerships in Youth
Countries Involved: France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Hungary
Background
The project Protecting Young Athletes from Sexual Violence in Ice Sports was launched in response to growing concerns about sexual violence in sports. Following several public testimonies from athletes in France, including former elite skaters, the French Ice Sports Federation (FFSG) recognized the need for stronger prevention measures and safer environments for young athletes.
The project aimed to better understand the risks that exist in ice sports and to develop practical tools that could help prevent abuse, raise awareness, and support young people involved in the sport.
Project Objectives
The main goal was to improve the protection of young athletes from sexual and gender-based violence. Partners worked together to examine existing safeguarding policies, identify challenges specific to ice sports, and create educational resources that could be used across Europe.
The project also sought to strengthen awareness among coaches, sports staff, and athletes, while promoting a culture of trust, respect, and safety within ice sports organisations.
International Cooperation
The initiative brought together a strong partnership of sports federations, researchers, and civil society organisations. Participants included the French Ice Sports Federation, the International Skating Union, the Dutch and Hungarian skating federations, the University of Lyon 1, Sport & Citizenship, and Colosse aux Pieds d’Argile.
This international cooperation allowed partners to exchange experiences, compare existing practices, and develop common solutions that could be applied in different countries and sporting contexts.
Research and Analysis
A key part of the project was a scientific study carried out by the University of Lyon 1. The research examined prevention policies, available resources, and safeguarding practices in France, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
The study also explored specific factors that may increase vulnerability to abuse in ice sports. The findings helped partners better understand the challenges faced by athletes and provided a solid foundation for future prevention strategies.
Project Implementation
Based on the research results, partners organised awareness-raising events, training sessions, and dissemination activities across Europe. Meetings and conferences took place in France, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Switzerland, bringing together sports professionals, decision-makers, and young athletes.
The project also delivered training sessions for federation staff and technical experts, helping them gain the knowledge and skills needed to identify risks and respond effectively to safeguarding concerns.
Educational Tools and Resources
One of the most important achievements of the project was the development of a multilingual e-learning module dedicated to preventing sexual violence in ice sports. The module was produced in English, French, Hungarian, and Dutch to ensure broad accessibility.
To support its use, partners also created instructional videos, user guides, and practical educational materials. Young skaters participated in the production of the videos, helping make the content more relevant and engaging for the target audience.
Key Results
The project successfully created a comprehensive set of prevention resources that can continue to be used by sports organisations after the project’s completion. It also increased awareness among athletes, coaches, and federation staff about the importance of safeguarding and athlete protection.
In addition, the project produced a theoretical framework that can help sports federations design and implement long-term action plans to combat sexual and gender-based violence in sport.
Conclusion
Protecting Young Athletes from Sexual Violence in Ice Sports demonstrates how international cooperation can help create safer sporting environments for young people. Through research, education, and practical tools, the project strengthened safeguarding practices across the ice sports community.
Its lasting impact lies in the resources developed, the awareness raised, and the commitment of partner organisations to continue protecting young athletes and promoting a culture of safety, respect, and well-being in sport.
