ACON - AthleteConnect

The main aim of the project AthleteConnect (ACON) is: Enable the European sport ecosystem to expand dual career implementation and dual career digital environment through improved visibility and interconnectivity among existing and newly established Dual Careers service providers and athletes. ACON will revolve around the creation of innovative digital toolbox of information, assessment and dissemination tools, including social media channels, video and audio podcasts, digital personal profiles, tailored to the needs of athletes, and education & labour market players. The digital toolbox will facilitate communication between athletes and service providers and will simplify the process at both ends. ACON will build a strong transnational network in 5 EU countries, engaging 5 partners & their communities (sport, business, civic society, public authorities on a national and EU level) in answering needs of the target group by relying on popularity of sport and of elite athletes as positive role models. Activities: identification of good practices and a quality communication framework, mapping of existing effective solutions for connecting athletes and dual career stakeholders with orientation toward each participating country’s specific needs, attracting role models and ambassadors, online assessment and personal digital portfolios of athletes, matchmaking career fairs, evaluation of possible project impact, and dissemination activities. ACON will: engage a minimum of 7 innovative digital tools, connect at least 650 athletes to career services, organize participation in 5 career shows, improve outreach to athletes with dual career needs through innovative methods, increase employability, and minimise social exclusion. Through the international consortium, ACON will increase the visibility of available dual career services and pave the way to the creation of new ones in the EU countries, where they don’t exist. Slogan of the project: Be connected- Stay active!