From 16 to 18 January 2026, the partners of the Erasmus+ Sport project +PLUSS – LGBTQI+ Policy and Leadership in Sport and Society, led by the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF), gathered in Zagreb for the project’s final transnational meeting. Hosted by Queer Sport, the meeting marked the conclusion of three years of collaboration aimed at strengthening inclusion, diversity and leadership in European grassroots sport.

The meeting took place at Šesnaestica, a socio-cultural centre created to address the lack of gender-aware and socially engaged community spaces in Zagreb.

Over three days, this final in-person meeting combined structured evaluations with future-oriented discussions, emphasising past achievements and the ongoing work and collaboration among partners after the project’s formal conclusion.

Reviewing Three Years of Work

   

The programme opened on Friday afternoon with a welcome and an overview of the final project report, presented by EGLSF. This was followed by an in-depth evaluation of Work Packages 3 and 4, led by the German Sport University Cologne (DSHS) and Sportieq / Out for the Win.

These sessions focused on research, monitoring, and the project’s overall impact. They specifically highlighted how all set targets were not only met but, in most cases, significantly exceeded.

Saturday was dedicated to a comprehensive review of the grassroots development phase. Partners from Queer Sport (Croatia), Out for the Win (Belgium), Atlasz Sport Club (Hungary), Out in Slovenia (Slovenia), Team München (Germany) and Pan Idræt (Denmark) reflected together on the implementation of their development strategies.

The discussions emphasised common challenges like volunteer capacity, sustainability, and engagement with mainstream sport, while also showcasing advances in governance, membership, advocacy, and events.

An evaluation of Work Package 1 followed, before the meeting shifted its focus to the future. Through a dedicated workshop on sustainability and future cooperation, partners explored how the knowledge, structures and partnerships developed through PLUSS can continue to evolve at local, national and European levels.

Partners also discussed communication and dissemination activities, outlining the next steps to ensure that the project’s results are effectively shared, well-documented, and accessible to a broad audience of stakeholders.

Throughout the meeting, participants emphasised that PLUSS was not only about producing outputs, but also about learning together. Peer exchange, mentoring and shared reflection were consistently identified as central elements of the project’s success.

Tangible Results and Long-Term Impact

 

Over the course of the project, PLUSS has delivered concrete tools to support inclusive sport leadership. These include a Research Report on the history and development of LGBTQI+ sport in Europe, practical Community Guidelines for sports organisations, and a Purple Policy Paper with recommendations for policymakers and sport authorities.

At the grassroots level, the project has contributed to measurable change. Participation of LGBTQI+ people, particularly FLINTA individuals, within partner clubs increased by approximately 37%, significantly exceeding initial expectations. Many partners have also strengthened their cooperation with mainstream sport structures and public institutions.

Closing a Project, Continuing the Work

The final PLUSS meeting in Zagreb marked the official end of the project, but not the end of its ambitions. Partners reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to use and adapt the tools developed through PLUSS and to maintaining the network built over the past three years.

As the meeting concluded, the shared message was clear: inclusive sport is built through everyday practices, long-term commitment and collaboration across borders.

PLUSS has established a solid foundation for this initiative, and its insights will continue to guide efforts to promote greater equality and inclusion in European sport.

PLUSS, an Erasmus+ project co-funded by the European Commission

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