The project STAY! – Sport as a Tool Against Youth Dropout has officially come to an end, but its results are only beginning to make a long-term impact. Over more than two years of work, project partners from across Europe – including HAŠK Mladost – have developed practical tools to help sports organisations retain young athletes and create a supportive, inclusive, and sustainable environment.

What has STAY! left behind?

In addition to numerous local activities, training sessions, and pilot programmes, the key result of the project is an online educational platform available to everyone who wishes to understand and actively act against youth dropout from sport.

The platform includes two main modules:

• Foundational Module – covering the fundamental knowledge about the reasons behind youth dropout, ethics in coaching, the importance of positive communication, and the sociological context of sport. Each lesson is accompanied by short quizzes that help verify understanding and strengthen learning.
• Social Program Implementation Module – focused on implementing practical solutions within sports organisations, such as designing inclusive activities, engaging the community, recruiting young people into new roles, and monitoring and adjusting preventive actions.

Each lesson is designed to take 15–20 minutes, making them ideal for coaches and sports staff who wish to learn at their own pace and immediately apply the acquired knowledge in everyday practice.

More than education

Beyond the platform itself, STAY! has published numerous other materials – from manuals and needs analyses to the final Policy Brief publication containing recommendations for sports organisations.

All materials are available for download on the official STAY! project website.

What’s next?

Although the official end of the project was marked in September 2025, cooperation among partners and the exchange of knowledge will continue. The tools and lessons developed within STAY! remain open for use, while partners – including HAŠK Mladost – continue to promote the project’s results through workshops, networking, and new initiatives.

Sport is not just about competition. It is a space for support, growth, and belonging. STAY! has reminded us that keeping young people in sport is not a coincidence – it is a decision, a strategy, and a shared responsibility of the entire sports community.