Project information
Rethinking safeguarding in grassroots sport
SAFE is built around a simple idea: safeguarding is not only about procedures, but also about attitudes and everyday behaviour. The project focuses on supporting staff and volunteers in grassroots sport to rethink their approach to safety and inclusion.
By combining practical tools with targeted learning, SAFE aims to help organisations create environments where everyone, regardless of background, feels respected, protected and able to participate.
The SAFE project, which is funded by the Erasmus+ program in the field of sport, officially launched in January 2026. It is led by the European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation (ENGSO), with partners from across Europe, including the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF), and with different expertise in safeguarding, inclusion, and grassroots sport.
A key moment in the project’s development occurred on 18–19 March, when partners gathered in Brussels for the project’s kick-off meeting at the EU Office of the European Olympic Committees.
More than ten sports organisations from across Europe participated, setting the stage for future collaboration, providing a chance to meet in person, share perspectives, and establish common priorities.
Work is already moving forward on several fronts. Partners will meet regularly online throughout 2026 to coordinate activities and track progress. At the same time, they are collecting existing good practices and tools from across the network.
These insights will feed into the development of the SAFE toolkit, alongside a micro-learning app designed to support accessible, flexible educational materials.
A mid-term workshop is planned for 2027, while communication activities will share updates and results along the way.
The project now enters its first phase, focused on gathering knowledge and turning it into practical solutions for grassroots sport. EGLSF, together with ENGSO and the other project partners, will continue to report on progress as SAFE develops. So, stay tuned for updates.
Project partners
ENGSO - European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation
Coordinator
- Sportieq
- Finlands Svenska Idrott
- Bulgarian Sports Federation for Children and Youth at Risk
- Sportzentrum Mitte in the city of Salzburg
- Sports Federation Union of Catalonia – UFEC
- Bragança Football Association
- European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
- European Olympic Academies
- EuroHockey
- Swedish Sports Confederation
- Italian Rugby Federation
- EduTech Gamechanger AB
Funding
