Recap
150 young people join ENGSO Youth in Munich for the 2nd edition of the European Youth & Sport Platform
What ethical dilemmas does sports innovation pose for values-based grassroots sport? And how can we ensure technological progress in the sector fosters accessibility and inclusivity for all?
At the 2025 edition of the European Youth and Sport Platform, held from 5–7 June 2025 in Munich, Germany, organised by ENGSO Youth and hosted by the German Sports Youth (dsj), 150 young people from across Europe came together to explore the topics of sport innovation, mental health, sustainability and youth participation. The event served as a pivotal opportunity to discuss key priorities at the intersection of youth and sport.
Under the theme “Youth & Sport in a Trending World”, participants took part in workshops, plenary discussions, sports activities, and an exhibition fair showcasing the work of youth and sport organisations from across Europe. Central to the event was the co-creation of the final conclusions of the EYSP2025 with recommendations for policy-makers and stakeholders. This document – the main outcome of the platform – aims to address the balance between values and results in sport, considering whether innovation and emerging trends align with ethics and inclusion, and whether modern digital realities in sport support the mental health of young people.
Day one: youth and sport in a trending world
The event opened with inspiring messages from Filipa Godinho (Vice President of ENGSO), Kirsten Hasenpusch (Vice Chair of German Sports Youth), and Ugnė Chmeliauskaitė (Chair of ENGSO Youth). Day one centred on the themes of youth, sport, and trends.
Christoph Rapp (ISPO Group – Messe München) delivered a compelling keynote on data-driven sports marketing and how the sportstech ecosystem can help enhance accessibility and inclusion in grassroots sport.
The event was moderated by Sara Yassini and graphically recorded by Coline Robin.
Participants then engaged in hands-on workshops led by sports content creator Nancy Baker and Olympic digital expert Christopher Jackson, which respectively examined the influence of sport influencers on the society and the power of fanbase data.
Day 2: does sport life look like a Netflix series and does sport innovation strive for sustainability or results?
The second day featured a diverse mix of voices exploring how sport continues to shape our rapidly evolving world. Erik van Haaren, sport psychologist at NOC*NSF, opened with a thought-provoking session titled “Does Sport Life Look Like a Netflix Series?”. He challenged participants to consider how social media and streaming culture are impacting young athletes’ mental health and body image.
Luca Wernert, board member of German Sports Youth, and Florian Maußer from Special Olympics Germany, shared stories from national campaigns, illustrating how inclusive “tandem” sports and youth-led initiatives can encourage healthier lifestyles and increased participation.
Bence Garamvölgyi (Budapest Sports Service Provider Nonprofit Ltd.) presented examples of innovative urban planning, such as sustainable updates to Budapest’s iconic ice rink, demonstrating how cities can adapt their sporting infrastructure to address climate challenges.
Representing the adidas Foundation, Marisa Schlenker and Sara Koenig showcased community-based programmes using sport as a tool for empowerment, inclusion, and meaningful social impact.
The day concluded with a global perspective from Dr Ben Sanders, who reminded us of sport’s critical role in international development, cooperation, and driving real change worldwide.
Participants began the event days with a revitalising Move4Nature walk&run and wrapped up with a spirited Beach Volleyball Trophy—highlighting the power of sport to unite people, both on and off the field.
Day 3: European youth and sport together
Sport plays a vital role in young people’s development, not only by supporting their physical and mental well-being but also by serving as a platform for social inclusion, democratic engagement, empowerment, and skills acquisition. But how do we bridge the gap between youth and sport sectors and cooperate together for more and better youth participation in sport?
This theme was at the heart of day three’s panel discussion, “European Youth and Sport Together”, featuring distinguished guests: Sophie Kwasny, Head of the Council of Europe Sport Division and EPAS (Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport) Executive Secretary; Amélie Waters, Policy Officer at IGLYO; and Tom Matthew, Board Member of the European Youth Forum. The session was moderated by Tiago Guilherme, ENGSO Youth Managing Director.
The 2025 edition of the European Youth and Sport Platform also marked the official launch of the European Youth & Sport Network. Developed within the framework of the EUYOUSPORT project—focused on youth participation in sport—this new network aims to bridge the gap in youth representation in sport decision-making processes. Its mission is to foster collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, create new opportunities for young people in sport, and advocate for more inclusive sport governance across Europe.
The European Youth & Sport Network is currently composed of ENGSO Youth, German Sports Youth (dsj), EUSA, Finnish Olympic Committee, Portuguese Sports Confederation, OPES (Organizzazione per l’educazione allo sport) and Cyprus Youth Council (CYC), and is open to all youth and sport organisations that would like to cooperate on fostering youth participation in sport.
Interested organisations can obtain more information on the Network, including how to join, by sending an email to ENGSO Youth Managing Director, Tiago Guilherme ([email protected]).
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to all the participants for joining us and for sharing their ideas and experiences. Special appreciation also goes to our hosts, German Sports Youth (dsj), and to all the speakers who contributed to the event.