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The EMCA Sport Innovation Hub transforms sports clubs into centers of innovation and technology

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The EMCA Sport Innovation Hub transforms sports clubs into centers of innovation and technology at a European scale.

EMCA continues to grow and pioneer. With the official presentation of the Sport Innovation Hub in Sant Cugat, Barcelona, the European Multisport Club Association sets the foundation for a strategic initiative that connects the world of sport with European ecosystems in health, technology, and education. The event, hosted at CAR Sant Cugat, served as the first pilot implementation of a model that transforms sports clubs into “living labs” for innovation.

​The objective of the EMCA Sport Innovation Hub is to create an environment where innovative solutions can be tested and developed in real-life conditions. The key pillars of the initiative include health and prevention, sports performance, sustainability, healthy lifestyles, and education. Through this networking, EMCA facilitates the connection between startups, universities, technology centers, and public administration, strengthening the role of multisport clubs as accelerators of progress with a real impact on society.

The project structure is based on four central pillars:

  • EMCA Demo Day: An annual European meeting to connect innovative companies with sports clubs.
  • EMCA Labs (Living Labs): A network of clubs acting as testing environments for new technological solutions.
    ​European Sports Innovation Observatory: A tool to identify trends and share specialized knowledge.
  • Strategic Alliances: Collaborations with academic institutions, European bodies, and industry partners.
  • ​The success of the pilot phase in Barcelona, with the participation of leading organizations and technology companies, confirms the dynamics of the model. EMCA consolidates its position as a reference point for the implementation of European programs, promoting sustainability and digital transformation.

The next step involves activating the Hub’s operational plan, opening new funding and development opportunities for European sport.

Lisbon and Sporting Lisbon Facilities to Host the 2027 EMCA General Assembly

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During the recent General Assembly in Sant Cugat, the European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) announced that its next regular Assembly in 2027 will be held in Portugal, hosted by Sporting Lisbon.

The choice of Lisbon is part of EMCA’s strategy to organize its annual meetings in cities and clubs with recognized expertise in managing multiple sports departments. The Portuguese capital is a destination with a strong athletic footprint, offering the ideal environment for knowledge sharing among the Association’s members.

The Assembly’s proceedings are expected to take place at the Sporting Lisbon facility complex, which includes:

  • The Jose Alvalade Stadium, featuring modern infrastructure for hosting international sporting and administrative events.
  • The Pavilhão João Rocha, the multi-purpose center serving the needs of the basketball, volleyball, handball, futsal, and roller hockey departments.
  • Specialized training and support areas for individual and team sports, highlighting the functional structure of a major multisport organization.
  • Educational and training facilities focused on youth athlete development and the integration of sports science into daily practice.

The 2027 General Assembly in Lisbon will serve as a central meeting point for strengthening cooperation, the strategic development of members, and the promotion of EMCA’s common goals at a European level.

A New Era of Extroversion and Digital Innovation – Completion of Works in Sant Cugat

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The three-day conference of the European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) in Sant Cugat and Barcelona concluded with absolute success, signaling a new phase of growth and international outreach for the organization. The proceedings culminated in the annual General Assembly, where member clubs outlined the strategy for the upcoming year, focusing on the expansion of the network and the strengthening of diplomatic ties with international sports and institutional stakeholders.

In this context, EMCA reaffirmed its active and continuous participation in European Commission Erasmus+ programs, further fostering collaboration among its members and the exchange of best practices across Europe. Furthermore, the Association officially welcomed four new members, approving the inclusion of Goztepe, PUC, Leman Ballers, and EuroSpoc, significantly boosting the dynamics of the European sports family.

During the Assembly, it was decided that the next General Assembly will take place in Lisbon, with Sporting CP hosting the event at its facilities. Among the conference’s key innovations was the presentation of EMCA Studia, a pioneering digital repository designed to preserve the digital legacy of all European projects.

All club representatives expressed their warm gratitude to the Sant Cugat Creix team for their impeccable hospitality and the exceptional facilities provided throughout the three-day event.

Statement of President of the EMCA Assembly, Vanina Milanova, Phd:

«This week, the members of the European Multisports Clubs Association had the opportunity to spend a few days in sunny Catalonia, warmly hosted by Sant Cugat Creix.
It was an honor to be part of a diverse and quality program that included discussions with the municipal administration on sports policies and the future of sports, meetings on EU projects, a conference on innovation in sports with key business players and sports program creators, and exchanges with partners from Belgium and France.
The EMCA is growing and developing, with more than 80% of the voting members attending the annual assembly, and 4 new clubs becoming members of the association, accepted with a full majority.

The confirmed invitation of Sporting Clube de Portugal to hold the 2027 assembly in Lisbon was also received with applause.

The Fédération Française des clubs omnisports has invited its members to its biggest event, a national meeting of more than 300 French clubs in the fall of 2027.

In 2028, the EMCA assembly will be hosted in beautiful Naples.

The association’s management has declared its intention to engage more with its members, through support and participation in joint initiatives and projects.

This is EMCA, the multisport family built in the spirit of friendship!»

“We are leaving Barcelona with a clear action plan,” stated EMCA President, Christina Tsiligkiri. “Our Association is no longer merely following developments—it is co-shaping them, investing in transparency, technology, and inclusion.”

Sant Cugat 2026 stands as a milestone for a stronger and more dynamic European multisport movement.

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 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

In Spain and at the Saint Cugat Creix Facilities the Next EMCA General Assembly

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During its recent General Assembly in Istanbul, the European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) announced that its next Assembly will be hosted at the Saint Cugat Creix facilities in Spain.

The choice of Saint Cugat Creix underlines EMCA’s strategy to strengthen international ties and offers members the opportunity to experience one of the most renowned sports hubs in Catalonia.

The facilities that will host the Assembly are linked to the High Performance Centre (Centre d’Alt Rendiment – CAR Sant Cugat), an internationally recognized sports complex, which includes:

  • an Olympic-size swimming pool (50m, 10 lanes)
  • diving and synchronized swimming pools
  • a 400m athletics track with throwing and jumping areas
  • a natural grass football pitch
  • 4 indoor and 3 outdoor tennis courts
  • a multi-purpose arena for basketball, volleyball, handball, futsal, and roller hockey
  • specialized halls for martial arts, fencing, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, and weightlifting
  • advanced support services for athletes, including physiotherapy, nutrition, sports science, and psychological assistance
  • educational structures combining academic studies and athletic training for young athletes.

At the same time, Sant Cugat Creix functions as an innovative umbrella organization that brings together several sports clubs from the region, fostering collaboration and the development of multisport activities.

With such state-of-the-art facilities, the next EMCA General Assembly is expected to become a milestone for sharing experiences, strengthening cooperation, and advancing the strategic development of multisport clubs across Europe.

EMCA at the Taç Spor Facilities in Istanbul (pics)

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The European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) successfully held its General Assembly in Istanbul, alongside the International Conference titled “AI & (Multi)Sport.”

The event brought together representatives of multisport clubs from across Europe, as well as experts in sports and artificial intelligence. Discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges posed by new technologies, and on how innovation can strengthen the role of multisport clubs as hubs of community, health, and education.

As part of the program, all participants were warmly welcomed and guided through the impressive Taç Spor facilities by President Polat Bengiserp, recently elected to the EMCA Board of Directors — the first Turkish representative ever to hold this position.

The Taç Spor complex, located on the Asian side of Istanbul, impressed guests with its modern infrastructure and wide range of services. Its facilities include:

  • a Central Tennis Court with seating capacity for around 1,500 spectators
  • 5 outdoor and 7 indoor tennis courts
  • a fully equipped fitness center
  • a swimming pool and physiotherapy areas
  • multipurpose halls
  • restaurants and social spaces around the pool.

The delegation highlighted not only the quality and variety of the sports infrastructure but also the warm hospitality offered by Taç Spor. Participants expressed their appreciation for the club’s efforts in creating an environment that combines professional-level sports facilities with a welcoming, community-oriented spirit.

This experience reinforced the importance of international cooperation between multisport clubs, as well as EMCA’s commitment to promoting innovation, knowledge sharing, and the values of sport across Europe. Hosting such a significant gathering in Istanbul, at Taç Spor, was a strong message of unity and collaboration that will inspire the association’s future projects.

AI meets Sport: New Horizons from Istanbul

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The European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) successfully hosted the international conference AI & (Multi)Sport on Saturday, 27 September 2025, in Istanbul, as part of its Extraordinary Assembly activities in collaboration with Taç Spor.

In his welcome address, Polat Bengiserp, President of Taç Spor, underlined the symbolic importance of hosting the event at the historic facilities of Galatasaray High School, emphasizing how strongly these facilities are connected to the identity and tradition of the club.

In her keynote speech, Christina Tsiligkiri, President of EMCA, highlighted that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future trend, but part of our reality, stressing that technology is not neutral — its impact depends on how and why it is used. She underlined that for EMCA, AI must not become a luxury for the few, but a tool for all — one that strengthens transparency, equality, inclusion and the social value of sport. She also reminded participants that while AI can support injury prevention, accessibility, and club management, it is crucial to protect personal data, avoid new inequalities, and ensure that technology always serves people, not the other way around.

The conference gathered representatives from multisport clubs, European institutions, and leading experts in technology and sport, to discuss how AI is set to transform the sporting world. Participants explored opportunities for AI to enhance performance analysis, prevent injuries, improve management efficiency, foster inclusion, and create new ways for communities and fans to engage with sport.

A key highlight of the day was the expert panel discussion featuring Ian Smith, Philipp Ostsieker, Stefano Orengo, Peter Kekesi and Malte Kalsbach, who shared their diverse insights on how AI can responsibly and effectively shape the future of sport.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the day was the presence of students from Galatasaray High School, who attended the sessions with enthusiasm. Their participation brought fresh perspectives and reflected the importance of involving younger generations in shaping the future of sport in the digital era.

The conference concluded with a strong call to action: EMCA and its member clubs must continue to embrace digital innovation, share best practices and cooperate across Europe to ensure that technology — and AI in particular — serves as a tool to strengthen inclusion, participation and the social value of sport.

With this conference, EMCA reaffirmed its role as a bridge between sport, technology and society, opening new horizons for collaboration and inspiring both today’s leaders and tomorrow’s athletes.

European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) successfully concludes its General Assembly in Istanbul

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The European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) announces the successful conclusion of its General Assembly, held on Friday, 26 September 2025, in Istanbul and hosted by Tac Spor. Under the leadership of EMCA President Christina Tsiligkiri, the gathering marked an important milestone for the Association, reaffirming its mission to promote and support multisport across Europe.

EMCA extends its warm thanks to Tac Spor President Polat Bengiserp and the club’s Secretary, Elif Uzuner, for their hospitality and exemplary organization. As a token of appreciation, EMCA members presented commemorative gifts to Tac Spor’s representatives for their valuable contribution to the event’s success.

The Assembly’s work included a review of 2024–2025 activities, programmes and partnerships, as well as the setting of strategic priorities for 2025–2026, with emphasis on innovation, enhanced member services, and the further development of European collaborations.

EMCA President Christina Tsiligkiri stated: “EMCA is not merely an institution; it is a living network of cooperation, interaction and shared purpose that brings together multisport clubs across Europe. I am particularly pleased to announce that EMCA has been approved to participate in three Erasmus+ programmes, a development that strengthens the organisation’s sustainability and the value we deliver to our members.”

Tac Spor President Polat Bengiserp stated: “For Tac Spor, it was a great honour to host EMCA’s General Assembly in Istanbul. Our city—bridging cultures—reflects the spirit of cooperation that unites us; we warmly thank all members for their trust and look forward to continuing joint initiatives that benefit our clubs and communities.”

Looking ahead, EMCA will build on the momentum of the Assembly, strengthening multisport through collaboration, innovation and steadfast support for its members and partners, with the goal of a more connected and resilient future for sport in Europe. The next General Assembly is scheduled for March 2026 in Spain, at the facilities of Saint Cugat Creix.

Before the start of the proceedings, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the late Hakan Malek, a member of Tac Spor’s Board of Directors. EMCA extends its sincere condolences to his family and to the club.

Prior to the Assembly, participants were given a guided tour of Tac Spor’s facilities, and in the evening an official dinner was hosted for all attendees on Galatasaray’s artificial island on the Bosphorus.

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