ADRESS Project

Project Name: ADRESS – Active European Citizenship Through Sport

Summary: ADRESS is a transnational youth project funded by the Education, Audiovisual, and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) under the Europe for Citizens Programme 2007–2013. It aims to stimulate active European citizenship among young people and promote sport as a tool for preventing drug abuse and discrimination. Through intercultural workshops, study visits, civic dialogues, and mixed-team tournaments, the project helped build long-lasting connections between youth groups, NGOs, and civil society across Italy, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Main Objectives:

• Promote active European citizenship and democratic participation
• Encourage social inclusion, equality, and respect for diversity through sport
• Raise awareness of EU legislation and anti-discrimination strategies
• Build sustainable partnerships among youth organizations and NGOs in different countries
• Empower disadvantaged groups: youth from marginalized backgrounds, immigrants, women, and people with disabilities

Key Activities:

• Italy (Cirié, Borgaro, Settimo Torinese): Workshop sessions, civic roundtables with local authorities, and football tournaments with mixed teams
• Bulgaria: Study visits focused on exchanging best practices between NGOs and civil society actors
• Final football tournament won by FC Lider (Bulgaria)
• Roundtable in Cirié included discussions on joining UNITED, Europe’s largest anti-racist network

Participating Organizations:

• Lead Partner: Comitato Territoriale UISP Cirié Settimo Chivasso (Italy)
• Partner 1: Sport Club Leader 2004 – Jagodovo, Rodhopi Region (Bulgaria)
• Partner 2: Courage Foundation – Plovdiv (Bulgaria)
• Partner 3: Romanian Association for Sport and Culture (ARSC/RSCA) – Bucharest (Romania)
• Partner 4: Parole & Musica – Borgaro Torinese (Italy)

Implementation Period:

• April 2008 (main activities)
• Additional exchanges and planning sessions continued into late 2008

Funding & Support:

• Europe for Citizens Programme (2007–2013), managed by EACEA
• Local support from municipalities and civic entities
• Additional cultural and humanitarian contributions by UISP and partner NGOs

Legacy & Impact: ADRESS created a solid foundation for future EU-wide cooperation in youth civic education, sport-based inclusion, and anti-discrimination. Participants gained new insights into European values and built peer relationships across borders. The project also elevated awareness about drug prevention, racism, and democratic engagement — especially among youth from newly joined EU countries.