From October 5–7, 2025, the vibrant coastal city of Patras, Greece hosted the 7th International DCO Seminar, part of the AFTERMATCH 2.0 Reload project.
The seminar brought together sports professionals, coaches, Dual Career Trainers, youth workers, and NGO representatives from across Europe – all united by a shared goal: to better support athletes in planning for life during and beyond their sporting careers.
Training in Action
Over three intensive days, participants explored:
- The key components of the Dual Career Officer (DCO) model
- Tools for assessing athletes’ needs and potential career paths
- Strategies for mentoring and long-term personal development
- Real-life case studies and feedback collection practices
The event created space for rich discussion, peer learning, and the strengthening of professional networks within the dual career ecosystem.
As one participant noted: “It’s not just about sport or education – it’s about guiding athletes to discover their full potential.”
Looking Ahead
The Patras seminar played a key role in preparing a new wave of trained Dual Career Officers – ready to implement change in their local communities and sports systems.
With just one seminar to go (Nicosia, Cyprus, October 23-25, 2025), the #AFTERMATCH 2.0 Reload project was already nearing the completion of its international training journey.
The project is co-funded by the European Union.
