The STARS project brings together a strong European partnership of organisations from the fields of sport, education, research and public institutions.
Partners from France, Germany, Greece, and Spain collaborate to advance vocational excellence in sport, develop innovative training approaches, and strengthen the connection between education and the sports sector across Europe.
EOSE
Europe European Observatoire of Sport and Employment – EOSE
EOSE is an international, membership-based civil society organisation linking employment and education to facilitate the development of the sport and physical activity sector in Europe.
EOSE aims to ensure the sector has a competent workforce with the right skills through its network of 37 members from 30 countries. Its areas of expertise include research, sport employment, skills analysis, policy recommendations, professional standards development, education and training, as well as project development and management. EOSE’s key roles in STARS are to support the development of a Europe-wide Large-Scale Skills Partnership (LSP), four Regional Skills Partnerships and the implementation of a Training Needs Assessment survey.
EVBB
Europe The European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) is the largest global network advancing Vocational Education and Training (VET).
Representing over 600 members across 76 countries, EVBB aims to make VET a first choice worldwide. It fosters partnerships with educational institutions to enhance training standards, supports high-quality project consortia, and advocates ambitious policies through collaboration with public authorities and EU institutions.
EVBB leads innovative projects under Erasmus+ and organizes events like the annual EU Policy Camp. Operating in Brussels, its VET House co-creation space hosts workshops, meetings, and its VET TALKS podcast, promoting global access to education.
135 BPM Le campus du sport
France The Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications d’Excellence 135 BPM, located in the Hauts-de-France region, is a dynamic collective initiative dedicated to the structuring and development of the sports sector. It brings together stakeholders from training, education, the business world, and institutions around a common goal: to enhance the appeal of sports careers, promote professional integration, and support the development of skills. Its work focuses on educational innovation, European mobility, and support for trainers, thereby helping to increase the social impact of sports. A leading player in European projects such as STARS, the campus embodies an ambitious and pioneering vision, placing sport at the service of social cohesion and professional excellence.
Ligue Hauts-de-France d’Athlétisme
France The purpose of the Hauts-de-France Athletics League is to develop and control the practice of athletics in all its forms within its territory, within the framework of the delegation granted by the FFA and in the context of sustainable development. It must also defend the moral and material interests of athletics and represent athletics at regional level.
Ministère des sports, de la jeunesse et de la vie associative
France The Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Community Life works to promote sports and physical activity for all, while supporting youth engagement and the development of community life. It supports initiatives that foster inclusion, social cohesion, and access to educational, cultural, and civic activities throughout the country.
As a key player in the development of sports and youth policies, the Ministry works closely with local governments, community organizations, schools, and institutional stakeholders. Its efforts aim to strengthen the social and educational impact of sports and community activities by promoting civic engagement, health, and well-being.
Région académique Hauts-de-France
France The Hauts-de-France academic region comprises the Amiens (Aisne, Oise, Somme) and Lille (Nord, Pas-de-Calais) school districts. It comprises 6 universities, 536 apprentice training centres, and nearly 6 000 schools, making it the third-largest academic region in France, with over one million primary and secondary school pupils, 250 000 college students, and 64 000 apprentices.
As the regional representative of the Ministry of Education, it coordinates regional education policies, including vocational training, higher education, efforts to combat school dropout, and the management of European funds. With its extensive networks and resources, the academic region actively contributes to innovative initiatives such as the STARS project, supporting experimentation and transformation in physical education.
Université de Picardie Jules Verne
France The University of Picardie Jules Verne is a multidisciplinary university offering programmes across four main fields: Arts, Letters and Languages; Law, Economics and Management; Humanities and Social Sciences; and Science, Technology and Health.
Each year, it welcomes around 32,000 students across 12 faculties, 7 institutes and one engineering school, spread over six campuses. Its research activity is structured around three key areas, science, health, and human and social sciences, bringing together a total of 36 research units. The excellence of its research teams is widely recognised at regional, national and international levels.
AKMI
Greece The Institute of Vocational Training AKMI is the largest VET provider in Greece and one of the 7 largest in Europe. Founded in 1989, AKMI is active in 9 cities across Greece representing almost 60% of the country’s VET sector and providing post-secondary education at EQF levels 3–5. Every year, approximately 18 000 active students are enrolled with the aim of studying one of the 112 specialties, in more than 380 laboratories in 14 different sectors within more than 37 500 m2 of infrastructure across the country. AKMI’s mission is to ensure that, through high-quality education, young people can become productive, scientific-oriented, broad-minded, and ideal citizens as society is significantly influenced by this category of people. What is more, AKMI has been awarded as “The most innovative VET Provider in Europe” by the EVSW 2022.
General Secretariat of Sports
Greece The General Secretariat of Sports is responsible for defining and implementing Greece’s national sports policy, promoting health, Olympism values, and social inclusion through sport. It provides institutional, scientific, logistical, and financial support to public and private sports organisations, while supervising over 17 000 coaches working across national federations and local clubs. In addition, the Secretariat develops and funds more than 7 000 “Sport for All” programmes, including initiatives for vulnerable social groups, ensuring widespread access to physical activity and sporting opportunities across the country.
Metropolitan College
Greece Founded in 1982, Metropolitan College is one of Greece’s leading private higher education institutions and the largest UK TNE (Transnational Education) provider in the country, offering EQF level 6–8 curricula. Accredited by the British Accreditation Council and recognized by NARIC, the College collaborates with distinguished UK universities to ensure high-quality education and strong career prospects. With over 12 faculties, more than 70 Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs are available across 8 campuses, featuring modern laboratories, libraries, auditoriums, sports and recreational facilities, providing a unique international-standard learning environment.
The Hellenic Volleyball Federation
Greece The Hellenic Volleyball Federation (HVBF) is an association governed by Hellenic law founded in 1970 and based in Athens, Greece. It is the only governing body responsible for all forms of Volleyball, Beach Volleyball and Snow Volleyball. Working closely with the World Federation (FIVB) and the European Confederation (CEV), aims to develop all forms of Volleyball in Greece. A total of 503 clubs, representing 30,311 registered and active athletes, are currently affiliated.
Bezirksregierung Düsseldorf
Germany Bezirksregierung Düsseldorf (District Government of the District of Düsseldorf) sees itself as an “interpreter” and “moderator” between the federal state of Northrhine-Vestphalia and municipalities of the district.
The District Government coordinate the requirements from the various line ministries of the federal state government and ensure legally and technically correct implementation at the municipal level. The EU-Office advises and supports vocational colleges in the district in the planning, implementation and evaluation of European educational projects.
Concerning STARS, the EU-Office provide educational expertise and resources. They mobilise a network of more than 70 VET schools.
Bk Consult GmbH
Germany BK-CONSULT has over 20 years of experience in EU-funded projects, specializing in education, employment, social inclusion, project and program evaluation, quality assurance, and project management. In education, BK-CON excels in designing and delivering training curricula, e-learning tools (e.g., MOOCs), gamification, and experiential education. In employment, it supports start-ups, entrepreneurship, and workforce integration.
The organization also brings expertise in social inclusion, focusing on social integration, addressing discrimination, and supporting vulnerable groups. Additionally, BK-CON is a trusted partner in project and program evaluation, ensuring alignment with objectives and measurable outcomes, as well as in quality assurance, providing services for VET, Higher Education, and Rights Equality and Citizenship projects.
Committed to sustainability, BK-CON’s mission is to add value to partners at all levels, fostering societal development.
Leipzig University
Germany As an outward-looking and modern comprehensive establishment, Leipzig University is member of the German U15 network. It is among the oldest in Europe, strives to be one of the leading universities in Germany when it comes to top-class research and medical expertise.
The Faculty of Sports Science has a special responsibility to offer contributions to research, teaching and third mission in high quality and pioneering diversity. The practice-oriented approach and the strong local network with federations, clubs and sport schools are reflected in the training of physical education teachers and in the recently launched and accredited study programme for “Academic Coaches” and the International Coaching Course (ITK) with a tradition of over 60 years and a worldwide Alumni network.
Asociación de Jugadores de Fútbol Sala
Spain The Spanish Futsal Players Association is the national organization representing the interests and rights of futsal players across Spain. It works to promote professional standards, welfare, and career development for its members, ensuring that athletes receive support both during and after their sporting careers.
The Association collaborates with clubs, sports institutions, and stakeholders to foster ethical practices, fair working conditions, and player education. Through advocacy, programs, and initiatives, it aims to enhance the visibility and recognition of futsal as a sport. Through these activities, the Association contributes to the overall growth and sustainability of the futsal community in Spain.
Sport Innovation Hub
Spain Sport Innovation Hub (SIH) is a Sport Tech company focused on innovation. The company has a great impact on the region (Asturias), having received funding from the regional government thanks to its technological and innovative nature, and was awarded as Margarita-Salas Innovation Company.
SIH works with many stakeholders nationally and internationally, including Olympic Committees, federations, clubs, universities, and companies. These institutions collaborate as partners for the company’s in-house and international projects.
SIH provides both technological and scientific expertise in the field of sport sciences. Our team includes sports and health scientists, engineers, managers, and communication and international relations experts.
Universidad Politecnica de Madrid
Spain The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Polytechnic University of Madrid: UPM) is a public university in the city of Madrid (Spain), dedicated to high technical education, including the sciences of physical activity and sport. The homonymous faculty is the highest ranked nationally in terms of quality, research and work opportunities since 2006. Its Human Performance and Health Department hosts the Chair “Fundación Sanitas” of Inclusive Sport Studies (CEDI), responsible for the teaching and research regarding adapted physical activities for persons with disabilities since 2009, and active member of the STARS project leading the Applied Research in Sports building block.
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