EASE TALKS n°13 – Attractivness, Framework and Valorisation of Volunteering in European Sports
Volunteering lies at the heart of the European sport model. Across Europe, grassroots sport depends on the commitment of coaches, referees, club officials and organisers who ensure that local sport structures continue to function and thrive. Yet today, sports employers are facing a growing challenge: long-term volunteer engagement is declining, particularly in small and amateur clubs.
The 13th edition of EASE Talks addresses this crucial issue by examining how volunteering in sport can become more attractive, better recognised and supported through clearer frameworks. Based on the intervention of Mr. Elias Mastoras (A Ball for All, Greece) and enriched by contributions from EASE members, this edition highlights both the strategic importance of volunteering and the risks associated with its weakening.
Recognising volunteering as a genuine learning experience is a key priority. Through their engagement, volunteers develop valuable and transferable skills such as leadership, organisation and teamwork. When these competences are acknowledged within education systems and professional pathways, volunteering becomes not only an altruistic commitment but also a meaningful asset for young people’s development and careers. Strengthening academic and professional recognition is therefore essential to enhancing its attractiveness and sustainability.
The discussion also underlines the need for structured recognition tools at national and European level. While some Member States have developed initiatives to better support and value volunteer engagement, approaches remain fragmented. At European level, sports employers support the creation of a common tool capable of documenting missions, responsibilities and acquired skills, ensuring greater visibility and transferability across borders.
Finally, the Talk addresses the legal dimension of volunteering. There is currently no harmonised European framework, and national regulations vary significantly. Volunteers are not employees, yet organisations remain responsible for ensuring their health, safety and dignity. This diversity of approaches highlights the importance of continued reflection on how to protect and strengthen volunteer engagement while preserving the flexibility that characterises it.
This edition reaffirms a clear message: preserving grassroots sport in Europe requires a stronger recognition and structuring of volunteering. By enhancing its attractiveness and clarifying its framework, we safeguard one of the fundamental pillars of the European sport ecosystem.