In March, we took part in the STAY! conference during the EMCA Connect event held in Piraeus, near Athens. Around thirty sports clubs from across Europe gathered with one shared goal – to find ways to keep young people engaged in sport and to create an environment where they feel welcomed, supported, and motivated.

The project STAY! Decreasing teenage dropout in sport focuses on that very question: why do young people drop out of sport, and what can we do to change it? The project included research, conversations with coaches, athletes, and parents, and the development of digital tools, such as an e-learning platform for coaches and clubs with practical advice for working with youth. The platform received very positive feedback at the conference – several clubs expressed interest in translating and using it in their own programmes.

Here’s what we’ve been working on:

Volunteering at sports events – our young members took part in the organization of major competitions, helping out as ball collectors, jury table assistants, protocol staff, and even referees.

Media team – we created opportunities for youth beyond the pool or pitch. They produced videos, conducted interviews, and managed the club’s social media channels while learning how to communicate through sport.

Recreational training sessions – not everyone wants to compete, but many want to stay active. We ran training sessions focused on movement, fun, and social connection.

Coaching development programm – our athletes had the chance to work alongside experienced coaches, supporting younger athletes and gaining skills for possible future coaching roles.

“Poolcast” podcast – in cooperation with the Croatian Water Polo Federation, we contributed to a podcast series introducing young people to various career paths in sport – on and off the field.

Academic support – we know that balancing school and sport is tough. That’s why we organized tutoring, group study sessions, and time management workshops, while also working with teachers to help students find the right balance.

All of this with one goal in mind – to make sport not just a place for training, but a space where young people can grow, learn, and stay connected.

What’s next?

During the conference, a best practicals handbook was announced – a collection of the most successful examples and ideas from across the STAY! project. We’re proud that our work will be part of it.

Although STAY! is coming to an end, we’re just getting started. At HAŠK Mladost, we’ll keep building a club where young people feel they belong – whether they want to train, volunteer, create content, or just be part of the team.

Because sport isn’t just about competition. It’s about community. And we’re here to build it – together.