The latest edition of the adidas Exchange Programme (aEP) took place from November 30 – December 1, alongside the second streetfootballworld General Assembly in Lyon, France. Hosted by streetfootballworld network member Sport dans la Ville in Lyon, France, the aEP focused on network members in Europe.

The workshops at a glance
Over two days, European network members took part in various workshops facilitated by both streetfootballworld and network members. The programme started off with a session by Albion in the Community and Sport dans la Ville on football’s contribution to employability. “I felt immediately energised from the first day of the workshop and realised how we can make our own employability programme successful,” stated Nick Gates from affiliate network member Coaches Across Continents.

After discussing the link between employability and football, as well as regional examples of unemployment, the network members were presented with a case study from Sport dans la Ville’s ‘Jobs dans la Ville’ programme, in which young people are matched with tutors from private companies. The workshop also included a discussion and group activity on corporate social responsibility.

streetfootballworld facilitated the second workshop, which was on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Organisation for Economic and Corporate Development (OECD). It also included a group activity to discuss skills identified by the ILO that can be learned through football projects.  

The second day of the programme started off with a workshop on Project FUTSAL, facilitated by Football Association Ireland, who discussed programme challenges and expressed their openness to working with organisations that specialise in social inclusion. The programme’s final workshop was on EU funding opportunities and participants exchanged tips on how to attain funding at the EU level.

A great exchange
The aEP continues to provide an opportunity for streetfootballworld network members to exchange ideas and discuss their Development through Football programming. The last edition of the aEP took place in Ghana in August 2012, and was hosted by network member Play Soccer Ghana. Over three days, organisations from West Africa took part in workshops on communication and event planning, and participated in Coerver Coaching sessions. 

Lyon hosted another successful edition of the programme, receiving much positive feedback from participants. “From the planning stages, to the workshops, and up until our departure, it was just amazing!” commented Younis Kamil from RheinFlanke about the experience in Lyon. “Information, emotion, inspiration!”