Tag: Fontes

EMCA, coordinator of the Erasmus+ Sport project FONTES, hosted the online webinar “Sport, Faith and Belonging” on 5 October 2026, creating a European space for exchange between sport practitioners, researchers, community organisations and experts working on social inclusion.

Rather than treating sport participation as an end in itself, the webinar examined the conditions that allow participation to develop into a genuine sense of belonging. Speakers discussed how trust, continuity, local partnerships and people-centred design can help organisations reach young people, migrants, women and families who may face barriers to traditional sporting structures.

The event also marked an important step in connecting the FONTES research with practical experience. Findings presented during the webinar pointed to the need for more structured methodologies, stronger support and training for coaches and volunteers, sustainable funding, better impact measurement and approaches that address gender and other intersecting barriers to participation.

Two panel discussions brought complementary perspectives to the conversation. Contributions from Dimitra Lygoura, Ignacio Taló Valls and Younis Jamal focused on practical participation, trust, continuity and youth involvement. Leonardo Aresi, Luigi Aruta and Javier Almagro then explored the potential of grassroots and faith-based networks as trusted community spaces, while also stressing the need for professional support, openness and intentional inclusion.

Through FONTES, partners from Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain and Germany are combining different experiences and local realities around a shared objective: developing practical approaches that help sport organisations and community networks create stronger pathways to social integration.

As project coordinator, EMCA will continue to support the partnership as the insights generated through the research and webinar are translated into training materials, practical resources, testing activities and future project events.

“FONTES gives us the opportunity to connect European sport expertise with the trusted networks that already exist within local communities. Our ambition is to turn this knowledge into practical, sustainable approaches that help more people experience sport not only as an activity, but as a place where they can belong. — Christina Tsiligkiri, President of EMCA”

About FONTES

FONTES – FOstering New TEchniques for Social integration through Sport is an Erasmus+ Sport Cooperation Partnership. The 30-month project brings together seven partners from Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain and Germany and explores how sport, grassroots organisations and faith-based networks can contribute to social integration, intercultural dialogue and a stronger sense of belonging.

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.

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.