Meet the partners through CHANGE project: UFEC

December 2023

In the bustling heart of Catalonia, a region renowned for its vibrant sports culture, stands UFEC, the Union of Sports Federations of Catalonia. Established in 1933, UFEC has been instrumental in shaping the sports landscape of the region. With a rich history and a commitment to promoting sports, UFEC has garnered recognition and respect far beyond its regional borders.

What is UFEC, and when was it established?

UFEC, short for the Union of Sports Federations of Catalonia, was established in 1933. Its primary mission is to enhance and promote sports in Catalonia.

What are the core objectives of UFEC?

UFEC’s primary objective is to support organized sports in Catalonia, including sports federations and clubs. The organization addresses current issues at both national and international levels on a daily basis.

What services does UFEC offer to its stakeholders?

UFEC offers a range of consultancy services, including legal advice, sports law expertise, and support in digitalization. They also actively promote sports as a social tool, assisting young individuals in sports studies, referee training, and creating job opportunities for minors in the industry.

Who are UFEC’s primary stakeholders?

UFEC encompasses 71 sports federations and over 1500 sports clubs. They collaborate with local authorities, organizations like the Council of Sports, and international entities, such as ENGSO.

 Can you describe UFEC’s structure and governance?

UFEC operates from a central office with multiple departments, including legal, financial, human resources, social, and international project departments. The organization is governed by a board with a president and general secretary, and various commissions, like the Women in Sports Commission and the International Commission, play pivotal roles in decision-making.

 What projects is UFEC involved in?

UFEC is involved in several projects, including the International Women’s Sports Congress, the Exhibition of Sports, and the Catalan Week of Sports. They also initiated the Let’s Do Sports project during the pandemic and participate in European projects within the Erasmus+ program, such as the GAP Women and GreenTeam projects.

How is UFEC contributing to the CHANGE project?

UFEC plays a significant role in the CHANGE project by providing insights from the grassroots sports field. They’ve conducted workshops to identify challenges and expectations within the Catalonian sports community. UFEC views the CHANGE project as a valuable tool for shared learning within the EU.

In summary, UFEC is a dynamic organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting sports in Catalonia. Their active participation in various projects, including the CHANGE project, reflects their commitment to improving the sports industry and fostering positive social change.

CHANGE – Cooperation for Change Management and Innovation in Sports is a 36-month project involving 11 partners from 9 different countries:
  • European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation (ENGSO) – Sweden
  • Malmö University (MAU) – Sweden
  • N3xt sports – Spain
  • European Association for Sport management (EASM) –  The Netherlands
  • Organizzazione Per l’Educazione allo Sport (OPES) – Italy
  • Latvian Sports Federations Council (LSFC) – Latvia
  • World Snowboard Federation (WSF) –  Austria
  • Union of sports Federations in Catalunya (UFEC) – Spain
  • Basics sports club (Basics) – Belgium
  • Sport and Sustainability International (SandSI) – Switzerland
  • The National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark (DIF) – Denmark