On 6th June 2023, Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, played host to an international conference titled “Combating Injuries in Young Athletes.” Organized by Levski Sport of All, the event brought together leading sports experts and project partners to address the pressing issue of injuries among young athletes.

The day commenced with a warm welcome from Lucien Velchev, president of Levski Sport of All, setting the stage for a series of insightful discussions and presentations. Professor Javier Peña from UVIC, the project coordinator, provided an overview of the SONAR project, emphasizing its significance in addressing the challenges of youth sports injuries.

The program featured presentations from renowned experts in the field. Joske Nauta from Amsterdam UMC shared insights on injury prevention in European Multisport Clubs, highlighting the wishes and needs of users in implementing preventive measures. Additionally, Ingrid Eytorsdottir and Erling Hisdahl from the Norwegian School of Sports Science introduced “Skadefri.no,” a program aimed at preventing injuries and promoting overall health in sports.

One of the highlights of the conference was an expert panel discussion, offering valuable perspectives on injury prevention strategies. The session also included a demonstration of Injury Preventive Programs utilizing the Get Set app, showcasing innovative approaches to safeguarding the well-being of young athletes.

Following the conference, project partners convened for a meeting to discuss the next steps, with a particular focus on the pilot period of using the Sonar injuries tracking app. This initiative underscores the commitment of stakeholders to proactively monitor and address sports-related injuries among young athletes.

The conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, fostering a collective effort to combat injuries and promote safe participation in sports among youth. By bringing together experts and stakeholders from across the globe, the event laid the groundwork for ongoing initiatives aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of young athletes.

As the discussions continue and initiatives are implemented, the legacy of the conference will endure, contributing to a safer and more supportive environment for the next generation of athletes.