University projects in DCA in Italy

20 November 2018
University projects in DCA in Italy

University projects in DCA in Italy

Source: Handbook for best practices in Dual career of athletes in DC4AC project participating countries

(Ec.europa.eu. (2018). [online] Available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/project-result-content/eac1f6dc-aeab-42cd-93a8-f01a89b68043/Final%20Handbook%20of%20Best%20practices.pdf

1. University projects “Studium & Sport” - C.U.S The project is realized thanks to the collaboration between University Sport Centre (CUS) and Asseprim. The project aims to sustain talented athletes (attending University but also High school) who want to continue to study without giving up sport competitions and trainings. The project provides a scholarship to athletes proving both good sporting and studying credits. 


2. TOPSport – University of Trento

The project is managed by University of Trento, that is one of the most important University of Sport in Italy, together with University Sport Centre (CUS). TOPSport is inspired to the American model of College. The initiative started in 2001 and it is the first Italian trial experience on DC trying to create a model for élite and top level athletes sustainment. It is also a part of EAS Network (European Student Athlete) with the specific aim to apply the EU Guidelines on Dual Career of Athletes. It offers a system of scholarships for athletes and flexibility in study planning. Special services are provided such as:

-  Scholar tutorship;

-  Individual educational timetable; 

-  Sustainment path for internship after the degree; 

-  Psychological support in collaboration with the department of Psychology. In order to achieve the program, athletes have to pass a Public admission contest. AGON – University of Turin Born after the Universiadi of 2008, it was initially addressed to foreign students, to let them come to Italy to study and train, but now it is also opened to Italian students. Available places are 14 and they are reserved only to Italian and foreign students who want to attend the Polytechnic or the University of Turin. The requirement for access are: 

-  Practicing competitive activities in the following disciplines: rugby (male), fight, track and 
field, karate, volley (female) and basketball (male); 


-  Being less than 31 years old; 


-  Having all the necessary requirements for attending University or the Post-degree courses The project also provides various services such as: 

-  Free enrollment in the University 

-  Free enrollment in Post-degree courses 

-  Room and board for athletes that live far away from Turin 

-  Free usage of the sport structures of Univerisity/Polytechnic and qualify trainers “Dual Career– Student and Athlete at University of Foggia” Started in 2015 and sponsored by University Sport Centre (CUS), the project is dedicated to two different group of people: 

-  Olympic/Paralympic Champions, Champions at National, European or World level in all Olympic disciplines enrolled in University of Foggia or wanting to enroll in University of Foggia 

-  Athletes, federal coaches and judges who represent Italy in Olympic and Paralympic disciplines enrolled in University courses or wanting to enroll. The program has a duration of three years and it provides different services such as : 

-  scholarships 

-  a partial time inscription to University 

-  exemption from University taxes 

-  tutorship dedicated 

-  flexible time table for exams. University Link Campus – Rome University Link Campus is an online University offering a Bachelor degree in Economy and Policies of Sport and a Master Degree in Sport Business; it has a partnership with different Italian Federations and offers each year 12 scholarships for athletes. “TOP Team UniTrento – Aquila Basket” The project, starting from the season 2017/2018, is dedicated to the Aquila Basketball team senior athletes and to élite athletes of the national team registered to the University of Trento. The aim is to offer them the possibility of an integrated sports / study career. The selected student-athletes will have access to a support system and services for Dual Career development. The University will offer these student-athletes academic supports to assist them in conciliating sport and study (e.g., flexibility for exam session). In order to remain in the "TOP Team UniTrento - Aquila Basket" student-athletes will be required to meet and maintain a number of sports and academic requirements.