EMCA Connect Istanbul: YOULEAD (Leading the Game – Developing Pathways for Gender-Balanced Youth Leaders in Sports Governance)

The YOULEAD project was presented during the EMCA Connect Autumn 2025 weekend in Istanbul as part of the EMCA Projects Poster Walk, emphasising the importance of youth participation and gender balance in sports governance.

YOULEAD (Leading the Game) is an Erasmus+ project designed to address the under-representation of young people and women in sports governance. It fosters cooperation among sports organisations, educational institutions, and youth groups to build inclusive and diverse leadership structures within European sport.

The project promotes social inclusion, diversity, and active citizenship by providing training, networking, and mentorship opportunities for young leaders who aspire to make a difference in how sport is managed and governed.

EMCA is a partner in this project, contributing to knowledge exchange, communication, and dissemination activities.