Austria starts the FAMP project. FAMP stands for Floorball Austria Mobility Program.
The program objectives can be summarized as: Raise the qualification of participants to an international level. Build an international network through training and visits to successful floorball teams in leading European nations. Due to the rapid growth of floorball in Austria, it is essential to keep pace with European developments, especially in youth sports and disabled sports. FAMP is financed via Erasmus Sport plus and the costs will be cover by them.
We were able to have an interview with the program manger Gerold Rachlinger.
Gerold, first of all congrats to this program. How did this idea grow and when were the first thoughts about such a project?
— We have thoroughly examined the Austrian floorball landscape and have noticed that the knowledge transfer to the players is somewhat stagnant. In many places, we cannot ensure that modern coaching methods, tactics, and game approaches – which meet today’s international standards – will reach our players. Therefore, it is essential for us to support our coaches in enhancing their education. Our primary focus lies in youth and grassroots sports, meaning that we are working at the foundational level with this project.
What kind of Nations or Team you already have on board? What are you still searching for?
— Our goal is to collaborate with top nations. Initial contacts have been established with the Czech Republic, Finland, and Sweden, but we have not yet finalized partnerships with specific clubs. We are still very open for additional countries and/or clubs.
What kind of challenges are next in the path to succeed with this project?
— Currently, our main focus is on securing partnerships with clubs/teams and recruiting individuals who are willing to bring in their expertise. The execution itself will happen in close cooperation with our partners. We take pride in integrating our sustainable philosophy here as well. Diversity also plays a significant role, as two out of ten spots are reserved for the Special Olympics project, and the remaining spots will be equally divided between men and women.
How did you manage to get the EU to pay for a Floorball project? Could you also summarize the institution of Erasmus+?
— When it comes to EU projects, it is crucial to submit well-conceptualized proposals that align with the call’s criteria. The horizontal priorities hold great importance. In essence, the European Union may not have a specific interest in promoting floorball, but our sport serves as a powerful tool to spread EU values such as diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and digitalization.
Do you believe that similar projects could be realized in other EU-countries as well? If yes, what would be the keys to get it approved?
— EU projects often involve high administrative efforts. Those who are reluctant to handle such tasks should refrain from starting them. From our side, we are convinced that we will continue to manage further projects with Erasmus Sport Plus. We have no shortage of project ideas and are also willing to act as partners for other associations, as long as they uphold our societal values.
Interested to learn more about the Erasmus+ Program than click here.
Source: Austrian Floorball
