The partners of the EU-funded CHANGE project are a step closer to providing a comprehensive overview of occupations, job roles, skills and professional development pathways for people working in sport for development. The partners, including ISCA, met online for the 4th full partner meeting on 8 September.

Following an extensive research phase, the aim of the meeting was to discuss and agree on the first two major outputs of the project: an Occupational Map and Occupational Descriptors for sport for development.

Occupational Map

The CHANGE Occupational Map defines sport for development as an occupational sector within sport and physical activity, and clarifies the unique characteristics of the sector. The Occupational Map was informed by desk research and interviews with sport for development professionals.

The Occupational Map defines sport for development around the terms “sport as a hook” and “sport as a tool”, and the intentional use of sport to have a positive impact on individuals and communities. It goes on to discuss economic and social value of the sector, types of organisation, occupations, key competences, training and progression.

Finally, the Occupational Map discusses trends and future projections in sport for development and challenges for the sector, including recruitment and retention, education pathways, coordination and promotion of the sector, collaboration with other sectors, advocacy for sport for development, funding models, and more engagement with universities. A section on the impact and challenges linked to the Covid-19 pandemic will also be added an pre-released prior to the full package of outputs, which are planned to be released later in 2021.

Occupational Descriptors

The Occupational Descriptors for sport for development identify key tasks, responsibilities, skills and attributes as well as knowledge, qualifications and types of contracts. It has been built around the roles of sport for development coordinator and activator. ISCA is co-leading the development of this intellectual output in collaboration with EOSE.

In the meeting the partners approved the content of the Occupational Map and Descriptors and proceeded to the development of the Functional Map for sport for development, which will provide a complete breakdown of functions and work activities related to the roles of sport for development coordinators and activators. The next phase will be to develop detailed occupational standards before the production of educational products in 2021 to support training and development in the sector.

The partners will meet again online in December 2020.

Visit the CHANGE website for more information or get in touch with project manager Ben GITTUS, EOSE Director of Standards: [email protected]

CHANGE Project partners: European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE); International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA); University of Cassino and Southern Lazio; Leeds Beckett University; General Secretariat for Sports; Greece, Italian Sport for All Association (USIP); Sport Union of Slovenia; StreetGames; Women Win.