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The Future of Sport in Focus: EMCA Innovation Conference Successfully Held in Sant Cugat

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The “EMCA Innovation Conference” concluded with great success as part of the 2nd day of the European Multi-Sport Club Association (EMCA) General Assembly. The event was hosted at the High Performance Sports Centre (CAR) in Sant Cugat, Barcelona, bringing together leading representatives from the sports industry, technology, and innovation sectors across Europe.

The conference opened with a welcome from local authorities and Manel Gonzalez (SantCugatCreix). In her opening remarks, EMCA President Cristina Tsilikiri emphasized the vital importance of collaboration between sports organizations and technological evolution. The opening session also featured Cesar Thovar (Catalan Government) and Albert Salarich (Sant Cugat Municipality).

Internationalization and Innovation by Global Players

The first session, moderated by Pere Vilá (General Manager of INDESCAT), analyzed the prospects of sports internationalization with the participation of entities such as the Barcelona Sports Hub and ISL Agency.

Following this, the spotlight turned to innovation cases from three major global players:

  • FC Barcelona: Jordi Mompart (Director of Barça Vision) detailed the club’s strategy regarding Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain technologies.
  • Fluidra: Oriol Serra presented smart and energy-efficient solutions for sports and wellness facilities.
  • ​Veolia: Maria Millet focused on ecological transformation and sustainability within sports infrastructure.

Introducing the EMCA Innovation Hub (E4IH)

A pivotal moment of the day was the official presentation of the EMCA Innovation Hub (E4IH) by President Cristina Tsilikiri. The E4IH is the Association’s new flagship initiative aimed at bridging the gap between sports clubs and innovative solutions, driving the digital transformation of EMCA members throughout Europe.

1st EMCA E4IH Demo Day

The conference concluded with the presentation of groundbreaking startups and digital projects:

  • Vrain Medical: Presentation of “AthleteVR,” utilizing AI and VR to accelerate “Return to Play” for elite athletes managing musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Bayer Leverkusen: Malte Kalsbach presented the “DigiRoots AI” project, designed to help grassroots sports clubs adopt digital technologies to boost efficiency and sustainability.
  • Ona Labs: Xavier Muñoz analyzed advanced digital health platforms for non-invasive monitoring of sweat biomarkers to optimize athlete health and performance.

The day concluded with a networking lunch, where EMCA members and participating companies discussed future synergies and the continued integration of technology in the sporting world.

EMCA lays the Foundations for the Future of Sport in Sant Cugat

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With a dynamic opening session led by EMCA President Ms. Christina Tsiligkiri and the President of Sant Cugat Creix, Miquel Martinez, the European Meeting on Sport and Innovation officially commenced in Spain.

The first day focused on the development of key European Erasmus+ programmes, highlighting EMCA’s role as a vital bridge between sporting excellence and social responsibility.

The workshops placed particular emphasis on three flagship projects:

  • SPEED, addressing the prevention of eating disorders among young athletes,
  • PERISCOPE, promoting good governance and ethical monitoring in sport, and
  • DIGIROOTS, serving as a roadmap for the digital transformation of sports organisations.
  • M.A.D. Padel addressing ingergenerational sport for mother and daughters through Padel
  • HERIZON aiming at safe and secure sporting environments for female hockey players,
  • DiaPS – Diabetes Digital Peer Support – aiming at safe sport participation for people with diabetes through digital peer support and targeted training.

In her address, Ms. Tsiligkiri stated:
“Today demonstrates that multisport clubs are not merely competitive entities, but hubs of innovation. Through our collaboration with academic institutions and international partners, we transform sports expertise into tangible benefits for the younger generation.”

EMCA at the Heart of European Sport – General Assembly and Innovation Conference in Sant Cugat

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The European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) is set to host a high-level three-day event in Sant Cugat, Spain, from March 19 to 21, 2026, positioning the city as a key European hub for sport and innovation.

Within the framework of events organized by SantCugatCreix, EMCA will hold its Annual General Assembly, bringing together representatives from 32 leading multisport clubs across Europe, including Olympiacos (Greece), Lazio (Italy), Bayer Leverkusen (Germany), and Sporting Lisbon (Portugal).

Christina Tsiligkiri: “Securing the future of European sport”

In her message during the official presentation of the event, EMCA President Christina Tsiligkiri stated:

“Our mission at EMCA is to promote a sporting model that fosters health, education, and social inclusion. I am confident that the initiatives emerging from this three-day gathering will serve as a starting point for new actions that will strengthen and safeguard the future of European sport.”

Josep Maria Vallès: “Our city at the center of European sport”

The Mayor of Sant Cugat, Josep Maria Vallès, highlighted the importance of hosting the event:

“The presence of representatives from more than 30 top European clubs is a significant opportunity for our city, which continuously invests in talent and sporting excellence.”

Miquel Martínez: “A milestone event we envisioned”

The President of SantCugatCreix, Miquel Martínez, emphasized:

“We have given our very best to make this event a reality. It is a milestone we have long envisioned, creating a space for collaboration and new opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.”

Programme Overview

  • Thursday, March 19

Opening sessions with working meetings on European projects involving EMCA and its member clubs (Herizon, Periscope, SPEED, DigiRoot, among others).

  • Friday, March 20

The “EMCA Innovation Conference” will take place at the High Performance Center (CAR). EMCA President Christina Tsiligkiri will officially present the EMCA Innovation Hub (E4IH), focusing on digital transformation and emerging technologies in sport.

  • Saturday, March 21

The programme concludes with the EMCA General Assembly, where the strategic direction of the Association for the coming year will be defined.

Sant Cugat to Host the EMCA Assembly 2026 for the First Time

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Sant Cugat del Vallès (Barcelona Area), March 19–21, 2026 – Sant Cugat del Vallès will become a European capital of sport and innovation as it hosts, for the first time, the General Assembly of the European Multisport Club Association (EMCA).

The event will bring together representatives of 32 leading multisport clubs from across Europe, organisations that integrate elite and professional sport, grassroots development, parasport, and strong commitments to innovation, education and social impact.

The Assembly will be hosted by SantCugatCreix, the local multisport club association actively engaged in European cooperation projects and recognised for fostering connections between sport, knowledge and innovation ecosystems.

A Three-Day Programme Focused on Sport & Innovation

Under the theme “Sport & Innovation at European Level”, the programme will include:

  • EMCA Workshop (Hotel Sant Cugat), featuring steering meetings of European projects such as HERIZON, PERISCOPE, DIGIROOT, SPEED and MAD PADDLE.
  • EMCA Innovation Hub (E4IH) Conference & Demo Day, hosted at the Olympic High Performance Centre, CAR Sant Cugat.
  • EMCA General Assembly, gathering official representatives of member clubs.
  • Institutional visit to Sant Cugat City Hall, reinforcing collaboration between local authorities and European sport networks.

The main sessions and Assembly will take place at the CAR Sant Cugat Olympic Centre, one of Europe’s benchmark high-performance facilities and a symbol of excellence in elite training, research and innovation applied to sport.

Strengthening Sant Cugat’s European Positioning

The event will also feature the participation of key ecosystem players such as INDESCAT and other innovation hubs, consolidating Sant Cugat’s role as a European hub for sport, innovation and talent development.

Bringing together clubs, institutions, startups and industry leaders, EMCA 2026 represents a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, generate partnerships and shape the future of multisport organisations in Europe.

Save the date: March 19–21, 2026

Location: Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona Area, Spain

EMCA takes part in the YOULEAD project kick-off meeting in Rome

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YOULEAD – Leading the Game: Developing Pathways for Gender-Balanced Youth Leaders in Sports Governance aims to strengthen youth participation in sports governance and promote gender-balanced leadership through education, research, pilot actions and international cooperation. The project brings together partners from across Europe with the shared goal of developing inclusive and sustainable governance models within sport organisations.

The kick-off meeting, hosted at Hotel degli Aranci, was the first in-person gathering of the project consortium and served as a key moment to align the project vision, clarify partners’ roles and establish the foundations for the implementation phase. The vice-president of EMCA – Gabriella BASCELLI, attended the first day of the meeting. EMCA stands out as an organisation where all 4 institutional functions are held by women, and Gabriella is one of them.

EMCA’s role within the YOULEAD project

As a European network representing multisport organisations, EMCA plays a key role in communication, dissemination and the promotion of project results, as well as in connecting sport organisations with European initiatives focused on youth engagement and inclusive governance.

During the meeting, partners presented their organisations and planned activities within the different work packages. EMCA actively contributed to discussions related to the project’s communication strategy, coordinated use of digital channels and the development of a shared narrative, with a particular focus on gender-balanced youth leadership in sports governance.

Joint planning and coordination

A significant part of the kick-off meeting was dedicated to the discussion of work packages, governance structures, project timelines and financial and administrative aspects. EMCA actively engaged in shaping the dissemination approach, ensuring that project outcomes will reach sport organisations at local, national and European level through existing networks.

Special emphasis was placed on cooperation among partners and on ensuring that the project’s results are accessible, practical and relevant for sport organisations operating in different contexts.

The start of a shared European journey

In addition to the formal sessions, the meeting provided opportunities for informal networking, strengthening mutual understanding and collaboration among partners. EMCA’s participation in the kick-off meeting in Rome represents an important first step in the implementation of the YOULEAD project, which aims to contribute to a more inclusive, fair and gender-balanced future for sports governance in Europe.

Strong EMCA Presence at the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day 2026

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The European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) participated in the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day 2026 organised by the European Commission on 11 December 2025 in Brussels, with one of its most robust delegations in recent years.

The presence of almost the entire Board underlined the spirit of collectiveness and the willingness to actively contribute to the development of European sport.

The following EMCA member clubs were represented: Bohemian Prague, Fédération Française d’Omnisport Club, HASK, Iraklis, Lazio, Levski, Olympiacos, Sant Cugat, and Sporting Lisbon, confirming the ongoing engagement of EMCA in the European sports landscape.

During the event, key topics highlighted by the European Commission and speakers included digital transformation, green transition, inclusion, innovation, cooperation, European funding opportunities, good governance, and the importance of strong consortia for successful Erasmus+ Sport projects. Special emphasis was placed on adopting best practices, promoting sustainability, and aligning with the strategic priorities of the Erasmus+ programme.

EMCA remains committed to strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange among its members, contributing to the advancement of sport values and development in Europe.

The second day of FONTES Project coordination meeting was great success

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The second day of the FONTES project coordination meeting was completed with great success, with EMCA playing a central role in shaping the strategy for the multicultural sport events to be implemented in 2026.

EMCA President, Ms. Christina Tsiligkiri, emphasized the importance of inclusion, innovation, and intercultural cooperation, highlighting that the experience of athletes and young participants is at the heart of the project. During the meeting, synergies with partners (Brafa, Arcidiocesi di Napoli), the selection of sports, and the need for safe and accessible events with a strong social impact were discussed.

EMCA remains committed to working for the promotion of inclusive sports in Europe, supporting initiatives that bring together young people from different backgrounds and cultures, and ensuring that the legacy of the project will be a model for future collaborations.

EMCA Coordinates the European FONTES Project – Successful Completion of Kick-off Meeting Day One

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The European Multisport Club Association (EMCA), as coordinator of the FONTES project, had the honor to host and lead the first day of the inaugural Kick-off Meeting, marking the launch of an ambitious European initiative for social inclusion through sport.

FONTES aims to empower local communities, remove social and cultural barriers, and promote the participation of young people with fewer opportunities.

Through innovative actions, multicultural sports events, and the exchange of good practices among multisport clubs across Europe, the project seeks to set new standards for inclusion.

During the first day, project partners exchanged valuable ideas and agreed on a common strategy for successful implementation. The day concluded with an official dinner, strengthening the spirit of cooperation.

The six FONTES partners are: – EMCA (European Multisport Club Association) – ICSS – Olympiacos SFP – BRAPA – Archdiocese of Naples – RamonAs coordinator, EMCA is committed to ensuring high-level governance and transparency in all project activities, aiming to establish a European benchmark for social inclusion through sport.

For more information about the FONTES project, visit www.multisportclubs.eu or contact us at president@multisportclubs.eu.

Dual Career Exchange in London: Learning from Arsenal and Crystal Palace

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Gaining practical insight into Dual Career support in Premier League academies

As part of the EDU-DC – EDUcation for Dual Careers of football talents project, partners recently took part in a Dual Career exchange visit hosted by two leading Premier League academies: Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace FC. The visit offered valuable insight into how top-tier English clubs support young players in balancing football, education and personal development. 

Across both academies, staff emphasised the importance of structured support systems, including roles such as the Head of Education and Head of Player Care — positions required at Premier League Category 1 level. While each club applies this framework in its own way, both place strong focus on safeguarding, wellbeing and preparing players for the many transitions they face throughout their football journey. 

These transitions include entering the academy, progressing through age groups, and eventually moving within or beyond the club. Arsenal and Crystal Palace invest heavily in proactive guidance to help players navigate these key moments with confidence. 

The visit concluded with a match between Crystal Palace and EDU-DC pilot club AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park, offering a live context and a memorable football atmosphere. 

The examples and experiences gathered in London will contribute directly to the continued development of the EDU-DC project, helping us strengthen Dual Career pathways across Europe. 

EMCA Connect Istanbul: QIS – All In (Quality Inclusiveness in Sport – All In)

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The QIS – All In project was presented during the EMCA Connect Autumn 2025 weekend in Istanbul, as part of the EMCA Projects Poster Walk, focusing on inclusiveness and accessibility in sports environments across Europe.

QIS – All In (Quality Inclusiveness in Sport) envisions sports facilities where every area is accessible to people with disabilities — from the arena to the changing rooms, from the stands to the offices. The project aims to make accessibility a shared value and a measurable standard, guiding managers, designers, and communities to create spaces that welcome everyone.

Through collaboration and awareness campaigns, the project promotes the idea that inclusion in sport begins with inclusive infrastructure.

EMCA and HASK Mladost are partners in this initiative, working together to ensure that accessibility becomes a key element of future sports facility design and management.