Can artificial intelligence change the way we run clubs, train athletes and build sports communities?
What does it mean to be a multisport organization in Europe today?

These were just some of the questions raised during the Autumn EMCA CONNECT gathering, held in Istanbul from 27 to 29 September 2025. The event brought together members of the European Multisport Club Association (EMCA), hosted by the renowned Galatasaray and their partner organization TacSpor.

Representatives of HAŠK Mladost also took part in the gathering: Dunja Bračun as a participant of the EMCA General Assembly, Bojan Mijatović as a member of the Executive Board, while Ines Jakopanec presented all current EMCA projects.

AI in sport: a question of balance

The second day was dedicated to the conference “AI and (Multi) Sport”, where speakers and participants explored the intersection of technology and sports – and where we’re heading.

The key takeaway? AI is here, and ignoring it is no longer an option.
Participants were introduced to a variety of tools that clubs can already use – for administration, communication, finance, member management, and marketing. Still, the message was clear: sustainable development must be the focus, with clear mechanisms for data protection, ethical use, and long-term digital planning.

Artificial intelligence was not presented as a threat, but not as a miracle solution either. It’s a tool that demands responsibility, awareness, and context.

Real connections beyond the schedule

As always, the most powerful moments often happen in between the official sessions – in the coffee breaks, casual chats and spontaneous brainstorming that spark future partnerships and long-term impact.

One of those valuable in-between moments was the so-called “poster walk”, an informal showcase where EMCA member organisations presented their ongoing and upcoming projects. On this occasion, HAŠK Mladost presented the STAY project through a Policy Brief published in May 2025, as well as EU TeqGames, which had concluded just two months earlier. The presentation also included several ongoing initiatives in which HAŠK Mladost is actively involved: DiaPS, DigiRoot, QIS, Goldage, and ReSea – a diverse range of projects tackling everything from digitalisation and sport quality, to inclusion and sustainability in sports practices.

The next EMCA CONNECT meeting will take place in spring 2026, hosted by Sant Cugat Creix from Catalonia.

See how we did in the gallery.