If you're looking to step outside your box and learn in a different way, the Erasmus+ Youth and Sport chapter is the ideal springboard. It combines opportunities for young people, professionals, and organizations, with a clear philosophy: Learn by crossing borders, connect with other realities and grow in communityIn Spain, it is implemented by the Spanish National Agency (ANE), which includes Injuve (National Institute of Youth), the youth organizations of the autonomous communities and cities, and the Spanish Youth Council.
This article brings together, in one place, all the relevant information on activities, objectives, timelines, funding, contacts, and resources. You'll find everything from youth exchanges to inter-organizational cooperation, as well as participation projects and staff mobility in sports. Specific deadlines, application paths, and the provision of support and training are also included. provided by public youth services.
What is Erasmus+ for Youth and Sport?
Erasmus+ 2021-2027 is the EU's program for education, training, youth, and sport, with an estimated budget of ā¬26.200 billion. In its youth and sport strand, it supports non-formal and informal learning tailored to the needs and interests of young people. Its objective is to promote educational mobility, cooperation, inclusion, equity and innovation. in organizations and policies, both within and outside Europe.
The driving idea is simple and powerful: learning can take you far, both personally and professionally. From classrooms to squares, from workshops to lasting networks, Erasmus+ helps people and organizations grow and connect. As its spirit states, āenriching lives and opening mindsā implies acquiring skills and a sense of citizenship., actively participating in democratic life.
The program prioritizes strategic EU areas: social inclusion; green and digital transition; and youth participation. It also supports the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan, and the European Skills Agenda. It also promotes the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and the European dimension of sport..
Skills acquired through youth projects and the European Solidarity Corps can be accredited with Youthpass, a European tool that recognizes non-formal learning. This recognition makes it easier to value experiences, skills and attitudes. developed in contexts outside the regulated educational system.
The ANE in Spain acts as a bridge between the European Commission, participating organizations, and individuals, providing information, calling for proposals, and evaluating projects. The governance structure incorporates Injuve, the autonomous communities and cities and the CJE, ensuring capillarity and coordination throughout the territory.
Program structure and key actions
Erasmus+ Youth and Sport is organized primarily into Key Actions (KAs), which bring together opportunities for mobility, cooperation, and policy support. The ANE carries out a significant part of these initiatives in Spain, while others are managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA)..
KA1: Mobility for learning purposes (youth and sport)
Youth exchanges: aimed at people between 13 and 30 years old, they bring together groups from at least two countries (one host country). Between 16 and 60 young people participate, in addition to their leaders., with activities ranging from 5 to 21 days and projects typically lasting between 3 and 24 months. Workshops, debates, outdoor activities, and intercultural dialogue are included.
Mobility of youth workers: for adults working in youth. Participating organizations from at least two countries, one of which is the host country. Each activity can include up to 50 professionals and last from 2 to 60 days., with projects typically lasting 3 to 24 months, promoting professional development and the exchange of good practices.
Youth participation activities: non-formal education initiatives to promote young people's involvement in democratic life at local, regional, national, and European levels. They can be organized as workshops, seminars, consultations, campaigns or simulations of democratic institutions, involving young people aged 13 to 30 who are already decision-makers.
DiscoverEU ā Inclusion Action: Targeted support for young people aged 18 to 21 with fewer opportunities (physical, cultural, geographical, or economic barriers) to benefit from short-term travel across Europe, improving their skills and self-sufficiency. Allows up to five young people to travel together, with support to overcome obstacles to participation.
Staff mobility in the field of sports: designed for staff (paid or volunteer) of grassroots and amateur sports organizations, with stays abroad to strengthen their capacities. The aim is to strengthen local sports clubs and entities through learning and exchange..
KA2: Cooperation between organizations and institutions
Cooperation partnerships: transnational projects to improve the quality of activities, expand networks, and strengthen capacities. At least three organizations from three different program countries participateTangible and innovative results with European added value are sought.
Small-scale partnerships: aimed at entities with less experience or newcomers to the program, and at grassroots initiatives. They facilitate access to the program, promote inclusion and bring the European dimension closer to the local level.They are a perfect gateway for small organizations.
In addition to these opportunities managed by national agencies, EACEA launches specific calls for other types of projects, so it is advisable to check the program guide and official portals regularly.
KA3: Support for policy reform
Through initiatives such as United European Youth, this action fosters cross-border partnerships and the joint development of activities between youth organizations and NGOs at the European level. The European Commission or EACEA directly manage these calls., which seek to connect actors, generate proposals and strengthen the European youth ecosystem.
Calendar of calls and deadlines
For 2025, the ANE has set very specific deadlines. In KA1 (mobility), February 12 It is the first deadline, with 80% of the budget available; and October 1 It is the second largest, with the remaining 20%. The actions included are youth exchanges, youth worker mobility, youth participation activities, DiscoverEU ā inclusion, and sports staff mobility.
For KA2 (cooperation), the first cut in 2025 is the March 5., and 100% of this round's budget is allocated to Cooperation Associations and Small-Scale Associations. It is essential to review the guide for each call. to confirm requirements, priorities and funding amounts.
The ANE has also indicated that they will be resolved Erasmus Accreditation applications in youth, in parallel with these milestones. Accreditation simplifies the recurring submission of applications to KA1 for established entities.
As for the forms, it is expected that open at the end of November and can be processed through the Funde portal; they will also be available for viewing in PDF format. Keep the program guide handy, as it details priorities, eligibility, scales, and funding rules.
In addition to the above, other common calendar references in previous calls indicate that KA1 has handled cuts such as February 23 (for projects starting between June 1 and December 31) and October 4 (for starts between May 1 and December 31 of the following year); and that KA2 has set rounds as March 22. y October 4, with specific deadlines for European NGOs around March 23. These indicative milestones serve as a guide, but the binding date is always that of the current call..
Who can participate and under what conditions
In youth, the reference ages are clear: Youth exchanges and participation, from 13 to 30 years old; for youth professional mobility and for KA2 (associations), there is no age limit. Organizations can be associations, non-profit entities, administrations, grassroots sports clubs, among others.
In the classic university environment (study mobility for degrees such as Degree in Physical Activity Sciences), traditional requirements have included being enrolled in university or vocational training studies and having passed the first year, in addition to belong to a participating State in European education programs (historically the Socrates framework). These mobility programs typically last 3 to 12 months, with academic recognition at the home institution.
The experience is complemented by language training and support for integration in the host country. Learning can be formal, non-formal or informal, with a participatory and voluntary approach in the youth chapter, closely linked to the motivations of young people.
Financing and aid: how expenses are covered
Grants vary by program, country, and call, but there are useful references. For mobility of teaching staff and trainers (KA1), Flat-rate travel amounts are provided depending on the distance, approximate daily allowances of 60 to 180 euros for accommodation (meals, meals, local transport) and a contribution to the cost of courses of up to 70 euros/day (maximum 700 euros per person).
In addition, an organizational contribution is contemplatedāfor example, 350 euros for entities with up to 100 participantsā to cover pedagogical, intercultural, and linguistic preparation, follow-up, support during mobility, validation of results, and dissemination. For persons with disabilities and their companions, additional costs are fully funded when directly related to their participation.
In university student mobility, monthly EU grants have historically been awarded (e.g., 200ā300 euros), with possible national or regional supplements, depending on the economic situation and region, which could result in between 200 and 800 euros/monthThe exact amounts depend on each call for proposals, so current amounts should be verified.
In youth and sports, budgets are structured by program items and rules: travel, individual support, organizational support, special needs, and even exceptional costs, as appropriate. The program guide details conditions, inclusion priorities and quality criteria. for all eligible categories.
Sports dimension: strengthening grassroots clubs
One of the lesser-known areas of activity is sports. The mobility of grassroots and amateur organizations' staff allows for stays abroad to acquire skills, observe innovative practices, and forge alliances, including practical training such as distance personal trainer course. The goal is to raise the quality and sustainability of local clubs, its governance and its community impact.
This sporting initiative is aligned with the European dimension of sport envisioned by Erasmus+, promoting inclusion, health, volunteering, and social cohesion. Many small organizations find a realistic path to growth here., especially through small-scale partnerships.
Resources, training and support in Spain
The ANE offers information, calls and support, and resources for prepare the study tripAt the regional level, public youth services provide Training on each action, guidance and advice for presenting projects, as well as dissemination of the program and information on national and international training activities.
There are specific portals to concentrate Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps resources and facilitate searches for young people and organizations. In certain communities, thematic reference sites have been enabled with guides, news and calendar.
If you need direct contact, there are useful information disseminated by regional services: europajoven@carm.es and the telephone 968 357 269 They are channels of attention to resolve doubts about opportunities, deadlines and procedures.
In addition, in other regions, numbers and email addresses are provided for specific inquiries, such as: Erasmus+ Youth Program Information 925 286 411, fax 925-330 181, and the mail erasmusplus.juventud@jccm.esThese contacts allow us to resolve operational issues, identify appropriate action, and refine the request.
Remember that the application forms are enabled in the Funde portal and PDF versions are often published for prior review. The program guide is your basic document: priorities, requirements, and amounts are established there. By clicking on the images you can see them in larger size. if the platform allows it.
Erasmus culture, impact and curiosities
Beyond the management aspect, Erasmus is a social phenomenon. For many European (and non-EU) students, their first experience of living abroad comes with these mobility programs. The so-called "Erasmus generation" symbolizes cross-border ties and European awareness. that have transcended the academic world.
In Spain, the University of Granada has historically been one of the most popular destinations, attracting thousands of students each year due to its teaching offerings and university atmosphere. This popularity reflects the attractiveness of cities with intense student life. and well-established support networks.
The program has nourished popular culture: films like L'Auberge espagnole and books like "That Erasmus Year" have portrayed the experiences, friendships, and learnings of those who cross borders. The famous "Erasmus parties" are part of this multilingual sociability. that helps to integrate and learn about other cultures.
The impact of Erasmus as a public policy has been recognized with awards such as the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation (2004), highlighting it as one of the most influential cultural exchange programs globally.
Citizen initiatives such as FraternitƩ2020 They have promoted increasing the share of the EU budget allocated to mobility and exchanges, reflecting a social demand for more Europe in education, youth and culture.
It is also worth remembering names and concepts linked to the Erasmus spirit and internationalization: Sofia Corradi (a key figure in promoting mobility), the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), the history of the pan-European movement, the Lifelong Learning Program, the tradition of Grand Tour as a cultural background and the Asia-Pacific University Mobility as a comparative view outside Europe.
To stay up to date, the official EU website on Erasmus+ It centralizes regulations and developments, and from Spain, the ANE and regional services provide close support to young people, entities, and technical staff.
Those who want to delve deeper into youth and sport will find a coherent ecosystem in Erasmus+: Mobility to learn, cooperation to innovate, and participation to transformWith a reinforced budget, clear priorities, and quality tools (Youthpass, accreditations, guides), the program is designed to encourage more people and organizations to take the plunge and build strong networks within and beyond Europe.
