EuroHockey will begin three new Erasmus+ funded projects in 2026 following successful bids to aid the development of the sport.
To this end, EuroHockey’s Head of Strategy Tom Pedersen-Smith and consultant Gino Schilders took part in the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day 2026 this week to further engage and tap into EU assistance.
This year’s focus was not only on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and future opportunities but also on celebrating the projects that have secured funding for 2026.
These projects show how sport can be a powerful tool for governance, safeguarding, and social change.
Speaking about the success, Tom Pedersen-Smith said: “These projects reflect our vision to make hockey not just a sport, but a platform for fairness, inclusion, and respect. We’re proud to lead initiatives that will have a lasting impact on communities across Europe.”
Here is an overview of the three projects for 2026:
1. Good Governance Game (GGG)
Partners: EuroHockey, Armenia Hockey, Georgia Hockey, Budapest Association for Sport NGO
The Good Governance Game aims to embed transparency, fairness, and accountability within European hockey. Piloted in Georgia and Armenia, the project will create a scalable governance model for other nations.
Drawing inspiration from the dynamics of a board game, GGG promotes values such as teamwork, inclusion, and respect, ensuring that governance becomes as engaging and accessible as playing a game.
2. Safeguarding Approaches Focusing on Grassroots Sport Environment (SAFE)
Partners include: ENGSO, EuroHockey, Italian Rugby Union, Swedish Sports Confederation, European Fair Play Movement, and others.
SAFE tackles one of sport’s most pressing challenges: harassment and abuse prevention at grassroots level. The project will deliver educational resources, awareness campaigns, and micro-learning tools to empower local clubs and federations.
With 15 organisations from 10 countries, SAFE aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that safeguarding standards reach every corner of European sport.
3. HAND IN HAND: Fighting Gender-Based Violence Through Sport
Partners: FIGC (Italian Football Federation), EuroHockey, Bulgarian Sports Innovation Hub, Albanian Football Federation, French Hockey Federation, and others
Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue across Europe. HAND IN HAND uses sport as a catalyst for cultural change, promoting gender equality and respect.
The project will provide training methodologies, digital tools, and guidelines to educate athletes and influence policy within sport organisations. By leveraging role models and sustainable digital resources, HAND IN HAND aims to create environments where violence is unequivocally rejected.
Gino Schilders added: “These projects are about more than sport—they’re about shaping values and creating safe, inclusive spaces. EuroHockey is proud to lead this transformation.”
