FUSION partners met online on February 27, 2026, for the project midterm meeting. The project, co-funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen the connection between universities and sports clubs, helping students continue their sports practice also after their studies.

The partners first recalled the survey results which were analysed and published before the beginning of the academic year. On the basis of survey respondents, key participation trends, preferred sports & settings, as well as motivators & barriers were identified, and proposals made for universities and higher education institutions. These include recommendations on making activities more accessible, extending sports services to alumni or partner with local clubs to prevent sport dropout, and promoting sports as a social tool to enhance motivation and community building.

Based on the survey analysis, guidelines were prepared for organisation of four local evens, foreseen to be held in France, Germany, Latvia and Lithuania in the academic year 2025/26.

The first local event was held in Kaunas, Lithuania on November 15. Lithuanian Student Sports Association (LSSA) prepared a sport festival with cross-generational participation, including high school students, university students and graduates. The event also celebrated the International Students’ Day, being celebrated on November 17 across the world.

The second event was held in Hamburg, Germany on December 13 by the University of Hamburg. A mixed volleyball tournament was organised, where teams were composed of students and alumni. The focus was on sport being the critical link in the transitions between university studies and professional careers.

Within the scope of the project, two additional local events will be held before the end of the current academic year. The first one coming up in 2026 will be activities alongside the SELL Games this May in Riga, followed by an event later in the spring in Toulouse. Findings and experiences of the first two events will be used in preparation of the events coming up. Finally, an overall guidance document will be prepared as a legacy outcome.

Future links for University athletes with Sports clubs Integrating Organised Networks (FUSION) project is co-funded by the European Union. It advocates for more flexible sports programming and better cooperation between universities and local sports clubs to prevent the post-graduation decrease in sport engagement or drop-out. For more information, please visit https://fusion.eusa.eu.