A Strategic Partnership for the Future of Youth and Sport

The European School Sport Federation (ESSF) proudly announces its new partnership with the
European Fair Play Movement (EFPM), marking an important step toward strengthening the role
of fair play in schools and school sport across Europe.
This cooperation reflects a shared strategic vision: to ensure that sport in schools is not only
about performance and competition, but also about education, values, and personal development.
By joining forces, ESSF and EFPM aim to embed fair play as a core principle in every aspect of
school sport — from grassroots participation to international competitions.

Fair Play as a Core Educational Value

Fair play is not simply a concept applied during competitions; it is a fundamental value that shapes behavior, mindset, and character. Within school environments, it fosters respect, inclusion, and a positive atmosphere where every student feels encouraged to participate and grow.

Through school sport, fair play becomes tangible. It teaches young people to:

•  compete with integrity
•  respect opponents and teammates
•  Celebrate success with humility
• accept defeat with dignity

These values extend beyond the field of play, contributing to the development of responsible, confident, and socially aware individuals.

ESSF’s Role in Driving Impact Across Europe

As the continental body for school sport in Europe, the ESSF plays a central role in connecting national federations, organizing international competitions, and implementing educational initiatives.
With activities spanning 29 member countries and engaging thousands of young athletes annually, the ESSF provides a unique platform to promote fair play on a large scale. This partnership with EFPM further strengthens that impact by integrating ethical values more deeply into events, programs, and institutional frameworks.

Through this collaboration, fair play will be increasingly emphasized across:

•  European School Championships
•  educational and Erasmus+ projects
•  grassroots school sport initiatives
•  communication and awareness campaigns

A Shared Vision with EFPM

The European Fair Play Movement (EFPM), a leading organization dedicated to promoting ethics, respect, and tolerance in sport and society, brings decades of expertise in advancing fair play across Europe.

Together, ESSF and EFPM will work to:

•  promote fair play as a daily practice in schools
•  support educational programs focused on values in sport
•  recognize and reward exemplary behavior
• strengthen cooperation between sport and education sectors

This partnership represents a natural alignment between two organizations committed not only to sport, but to its broader social and educational impact.

Leadership Perspectives

Ivan Dujić, PhD, President of the ESSF, highlighted the importance of this collaboration:
“The partnership between the European School Sport Federation and the European Fair Play Movement is a natural step forward for organizations that share the same values and vision.
Sport must remain an educational tool, one that helps shape responsible, respectful, and healthy young individuals.
Through this cooperation, we will take a significant step toward strengthening these principles across European school sport.”

Looking Ahead

This partnership opens new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and long-term impact within the European school sport ecosystem.

By integrating fair play into every level of activity, from local schools to international competitions ESSF and EFPM are contributing to the development of a stronger, more inclusive, and value-driven sporting culture.

Ultimately, the goal is clear: to ensure that every young athlete not only competes, but grows as a player, a teammate, and a person.