Sports4All
Sports4All
Breaking barriers, changing sports: The Sports4All journey
Imagine a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has an equal opportunity to play, compete and excel in sports. A world where women and men receive the same resources, support and recognition, from national team budgets and training facilities to leadership roles within sports organisations. That’s exactly what Sports4All is working to achieve!
who we are
A dedicated team of passionate organisations from Portugal, Croatia and Romania
Led by Sportrack Network, they are united by one powerful goal: to create equal opportunities in sports.
Sportrack Network is joined in this initiative by MBU iNtelligence, DAR and EISKDH, who are collectively leveraging their expertise to drive meaningful change. This collaborative effort is a pilot project, laying the groundwork for a broader initiative planned for 2027. The broader vision is to extend the project’s impact to most European countries and beyond, thus amplifying its potential to transform the global sports arena.
the project in numbers
30,000 Young athletes impacted by the program
- 60 participants in the leadership training course for women in sports leadership positions.
- 300 participants in e-learning courses on coaching for gender balance in sport.
- 1 film to spread the message
- 2 conferences to share the results
- 30 federations implementing recommended policies against gender-based violence.
- 30 federations implementing policies to promote gender equality in sport.
- 30 federations implementing policies to promote gender-balanced media coverage of sports and showcase women’s achievements as prominently as men’s.
- 2 courses: ‘Women’s Sports Leadership Empowerment Programme‘ and ‘Coaching Training to Promote Gender Balance‘.
- 210 certificates issued
- 218 questionnaires distributed
- 3 public events connected with the project’s objectives and results
- 3 press releases
- 30 media outlets received the press releases.
- 100 stakeholders and multipliers reached through the partners’ networking activities
- 6 project ambassadors
- 2 training handbooks
- 3 events
- 300 participants in events
- Results shared with 150 public and private entities
- 20,000 visits per year to the project website
our mission
We believe that sport should be accessible to everyone. No exceptions!
Our project is not just an initiative; it’s a movement towards true equality and inclusion in sport. By eliminating gender inequalities in sports, we can create a meritocracy where talent and dedication determine success. This approach empowers female athletes, adds diversity and innovation to sports, and establishes an environment in which all athletes can pursue their dreams free from discrimination.
- Promote gender equality in leadership, coaching and officiating roles in sports.
- Increase women’s participation in sports at all levels.
- Combat gender stereotypes and discrimination within the sports ecosystem.
- Implement policies against gender-based violence within sports organisations.
- Advocate for balanced media coverage of women’s sports.
our vision
A future in which sports are truly inclusive and equitable for people of all genders
Our mission is to break down the barriers hindering equality in sport by fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. In the first phase, our focus will be on promoting gender equality, increasing women’s participation in sport and enhancing leadership opportunities for women within the sports sector.
The second phase of the project will see us develop and implement a comprehensive Master’s degree or postgraduate course specifically designed to develop the leadership skills of women in sports. This educational programme will provide women with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to excel in leadership roles within sports organisations. In doing so, we will empower individual women and contribute to a broader shift towards a more balanced and inclusive sports ecosystem across Europe.
In the long term, Sports4All envisages a sports landscape in which:
- Gender-balanced leadership is the norm in sports organisations, resulting in improved outcomes.
- Women are equally represented in decision-making processes within sports clubs and federations.
- Young women are inspired to become athletes and break down gender stereotypes.
- Sports organisations have comprehensive policies to prevent gender-based violence.
- Media coverage of sports is equitable and promotes labour market gender equality.
- The sports ecosystem across Europe is inclusive, diverse and free from gender-based discrimination.
why this matters
Sport isn’t just about winning or scoring points
They’re also about building confidence, creating opportunities, challenging stereotypes and uniting people. Each time we make sport more inclusive, we’re building a better, more understanding society.
Through this initiative, we aim to have a lasting impact that transcends national borders. This aligns with the core values of the Erasmus+ programme and the European Union’s commitment to equality and diversity. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that sport becomes a powerful tool for social change, promoting gender equality and empowering future generations of women leaders in the sports sector.
Gender gaps in european sport | the 2025 reality
Persistent Participation Gap
- Only 37% of women in the EU exercise or play sport on a weekly basis, compared to 45% of men.
- Among young people aged 15–24, the gender gap is even greater: 75% of young men vs. 55% of young women participate weekly.
Limited access and recognition
- In Europe, women and girls account for just 31% of all sports federation members.
- Participation drops sharply from youth to adulthood: in football, for example, fewer than 10% of adult amateur players are women.
- In some countries, women are still legally excluded from having professional athlete status.
Gaps in policy implementation and impact
- Only 34% of sports organisations in Europe have implemented concrete gender equality policies.
- Just 33% allocate dedicated funding to prevent gender-based violence.
- Furthermore, only 37% have support mechanisms in place for victims.
Media Representation Disparity
- Women’s sports receive less than 10% of all sports coverage in most European countries, sometimes as low as 2%.
- Even where coverage is higher, it rarely exceeds 15% of total sports media content.
- This lack of visibility limits recognition and support for female athletes.
Underrepresentation in leadership
- Only 12% of sports federations in Europe have a female president.
- Just 29% have a female vice president or board member.
- Women account for just 23% of registered coaches and 32% of sports officials.
Stark pay inequality
- Female footballers in Italy’s Serie A earn 34 times less than their male counterparts.
- In 2023, not a single woman was among the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes.
- Men’s teams receive tens of millions more in prize money than women’s teams for achieving the same results.
how you can make a difference
Supporting Sports4All means more than just watching – it means participating, too
Share our story, challenge unfair sporting practices, promote diversity in your local community and help us to create a world in which everyone feels welcome on the playing field.
Together, we can transform sport and create a fairer world. Every voice matters. Every action counts. Will you join us on this incredible journey?
Be the change. Support Sports4All.
Key goals
Gender Equality and Leadership
- Increase the number of women in leadership and coaching roles within sports organisations.
- Boost women’s confidence and skills with bespoke training programmes.
- Promote diverse gender representation on decision-making boards.
Participation and inclusion
- Inspire a new generation of female athletes!
- Encourage more women, particularly young women, to take up sport.
- Reduce stereotypes and barriers for women in sport.
- Implement policies against gender-based violence within sports federations.
Media and recognition
- Achieve gender-balanced media coverage of sports to showcase women’s achievements.
Performance and Wellbeing
- Improve sports results for individuals and teams from underrepresented genders.
- Increase motivation and satisfaction among athletes from underrepresented genders.
Networking and internationalisation
- Expand the network of underrepresented genders in sport.
- Validate and replicate the project’s methodology internationally.
join us
Get involved in our mission to make the world of sports more inclusive, diverse and equitable!
Female leaders and women aspiring to leadership roles in sports
If you are a female leader or a woman aspiring to take on leadership positions within sports organisations and contribute to the advancement of gender equity and leadership diversity, book your place on our ‘Leadership Training Programme‘, which will take place in Portugal, Croatia and Romania. Click here to register: ‘Women’s Sports Leadership Empowerment Program‘.
Trainers and Coaches
Are you a Trainer or Coach – or want to become – looking to enhance your knowledge and skills?
Would you like to learn how to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for female athletes, as well as for female workers and performers in other fields?
Would you like to learn how to promote gender balance in your coaching and training roles?
If so, book your place on our ‘Coaching Training to Promote Gender Balance‘ course here.
Female Athletes
If you are a female athlete looking for support join Sportrack Network to have access to the tools and resources provided by Sports4All.
Associate partners
Below is the current list of Associate Partners supporting the Sports4All Project. If you would like to join the list and promote gender equality, inclusion and balanced opportunities in the sports sector, please send us a letter of interest.
Affiliate Partners/Beneficiaries
Our consortium brings together four organizations:
- Sportrack Network A technological social network supporting athletes Portugal
- European Institute of Kinesiology and Health Experts in athlete development Croatia
- Dar Development Association Addressing gender inequality Romania
- MBU iNtelligence Specializing in sports psychology and soft skills development Portugal
Potential future affiliate partners/beneficiaries
The upcoming project aims to extend the outcomes of the initial, small-scale partnership project to additional countries within the European Union. The project will focus on breaking down barriers and creating a more equitable sporting environment.
If your organisation is interested in joining the second phase of the Sports4All project, please submit a letter of interest to info@mbuintelligence.com. Your letter should include:
- An introduction to your organisation
- Why you want to participate in a large-scale Erasmus+ sports project
- Your organisation’s expertise in grassroots sports and social inclusion
- Previous involvement in EU-funded projects, particularly Erasmus+ initiatives
- How your organisation can contribute to the project’s mission of promoting accessibility and equity in sport
- Your capacity to implement and disseminate project outcomes in your country or region
Please note that the project builds upon the success of previous Erasmus+ sports partnerships in fostering innovation, social cohesion and inclusive practices in sport.
our ambassadors
They believe like us, they stand up for a better future.
Respected for her versatility and experience, Mendes debuted for Portugal's national team in 2007 and made history by scoring the country's first goal in a major tournament at UEFA Women's Euro 2017. Her achievements include winning the Campeonato Nacional Feminino and Taça de Portugal with SU 1º de Dezembro.
Her work captures pivotal moments in sports and culture, showcasing her skill in navigating complex narratives with professionalism.
Pardos is a passionate advocate for gender equality, using her storytelling to highlight key social issues and inspire change.
His work explores human connection, empathy, and justice, resonating with depth and authenticity. His latest books, O Hospital de Alfaces and O Rei Tigão, are heartfelt tributes to his son Benjamim, who faced a rare liver disease and underwent a transplant.
She won gold in the 5 km walk at the 1990 World Juniors, setting a record, and earned Portugal’s first international race walking medal with bronze at the 1998 European and 2005 World Championships. A former national 20 km record holder, she also served as president of the Olympic Athletes Commission (2002–2005).
Born in Madrid, Carlos began dancing at five and became a principal with Portugal’s CNB, breaking barriers as a male ballet dancer and inspiring others despite discrimination. Known for his innovative style and advocacy for equality, he uses his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote access to sport and art.
A multiple-time national champion, Paola Borović has represented Croatia since 2010, holding several national records and over 30 senior titles. She has reached the European U23 finals, medaled at Balkan Championships, and balances elite sport with academic excellence, holding an economics degree and pursuing a doctorate.
Recognized for her dedication to promoting gender equality and increasing the visibility of women in sports. Award-winning professional, she is actively involved in organizations such as "Women, Sport, Society" and "Network of Women in Sport." Is a respected voice on the importance of media representation and leadership diversity.
Maria Teixidor Jufresa as the first female secretary of the board at FC Barcelona, she played a pivotal role in the professionalization and growth of women’s football at the club. She serves as president of the Women and Business Commission at PIMEC, while actively collaborating with UN Women Spain.
She has made more international appearances than anyone else, with a total of 215 caps, (176 for the senior national team). She was also part of the golden generation that secured Portugal's first ever qualification for the European Championship in 2008. She is the current Spanish Handball League champion as head coach of Atlético Guardés.
A multiple national record holder, she achieved lifts of 88 kg in the snatch and 189 kg in the total in 2024. The following year, she represented Portugal at the European Championships in Chișinău, lifting 90 kg in the snatch and 110 kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 195 kg. Her determination and consistency make her one of Portugal’s leading weightlifters.
She has represented Portugal since 2018, winning several notable medals, including silver at the 2019 World Judo Championships and bronze at the 2021 European Championships in Lisbon.In addition to sporting success, she inspires others by promoting strength, embracing vulnerability, and prioritizing mental health.
She began her career at Clube Atlético São Brás, before joining S.L. Benfica, where she won multiple national titles. She has been representing Portugal's national futsal team since 2015. She won a domestic treble with Città di Falconara in Italy. In 2020, Janice was recognised as the world’s best futsal player and is celebrated as a leading figure in women’s futsal.
Born in Lisbon in 1990, Carolina overcame a genetic retinal condition to excel in sport, winning bronze in the 400m T13 at the Paris 2024 Paralympics and silver at the 2024 World Championships. She balances motherhood with elite competition and advocates for inclusion, embodying resilience and the spirit of Sports 4 All.
He holds the Croatian and World record in precision shooting and is the only Croatian bocce player to medal at all four official international competitions. Since 2009, he has served as lecturer and head of the Bocce Coach Course at the Croatian Olympic Academy, promoting inclusion and equal opportunity in sport.
associate partners
Become an Associate Partner and contribute to a better, more inclusive future.
- Confederação dos treinadores CDT (Coaches and Trainers Confederation – all sports) Portugal
- Fundação do Desporto FDD (National Sports Foundation – all sports) Portugal
- Federação de Andebol de Portugal FAD (handball National Federation – handball) Portugal
- SIMECQ SIM (basketball Sports Club – inclusive – renowned for solid educational foundations for young women – basketball) Portugal
- Bocce Federation of the Primorje Gorski Kotar County BFP (regional sport federation comprising 67 registered clubs – boccia) Croatia
- Young Skill Development Team YSD (E10347502) Romania
- Asociația Gutenberg AG (Organizația Studenților Vorbitori de Limbă Germană – E10064957) Romania
- Asociatia Patrimoniu Arta și Cultură pentru Tineret RAP (E10352011) Romania
- Asociația Gutenberg AG (Organizația tinerilor vorbitori de limbă germană din Satu Mare – E10307754) Romania
- Association Karpen 2010 AK (E10269021) Romania
- Colegiul N.V. Karpen Bacău NVK (E10090432) Romania
- Universidad Internacional de la Rioja UNIR España
Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme
of the Eurpean Union
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.