Croatia: ESC: Enhancing Solidarity in the Sport Club 2026

About the local hosting organization

Hockey Club Concordia (HC Concordia) 1906 is a local not-for-profit sport club established in 2014 in the City of Zagreb, Croatia and it cherishes the tradition of its predecessor ŠHK Concordia est. 1906. The club is established with a goal to promote, develop and improve field hockey in the City of Zagreb. Summarised activities of the club encompass: - education and development of children and youth through hockey field - promotion of hockey field in schools - organisation and implementation of systematic hockey field trainings and competitions - partnering and collaboration with sport organisations - promotion of ethical values - promotion of volunteerism in sport - promotion of solidarity activities in the local community The vision of the club is to make youth active in the field of sport and local community through European values while the mission is to include as many as possible children from local community into the club's activities. General objective of the club is social inclusion of young people through local and international sporting activities. Specific objectives of the club are: - to provide young people with positive societal changes through sport; - to improve key competences for personal, educational and professional development and facilitating employability and - to engage young people with active citizenship and its European dimension. HC Concordia primarily focuses on young people (18-30), and children (below 18) while adults (30-50) are essential for keeping the club's community active. With the new strategic goals of the club (2018-2022) our target groups are children with fewer opportunities. The basic principles of the club respect equal treatment & opportunities as well as non-discriminative principle for all members and supporters. In addition, our activities are focused on the personal, socio-educational and professional development and training. The club is based in Zagreb, Trešnjevka neighbourhood that counts about 200.000 people, but gathers families and young people from Črnormerec, New Zagreb, Trešnjevka North, Žitnjak therefore, have reach on a wider community. Trešnjevka is located in the middle of Zagreb, close to the city center. People live there in small houses and low-rise buildings. Socio-economically speaking they fall in the working and middle class. Around the club you may find a large green meadow, a national electric company, a huge sport facility which is home of Croatian Olympic Committee and of many other national sport organisations. During summer, we organise family events and barbecue while playing sporting games and other fun activities. All in all, locals come to us to spend leisure time. HC Concordia puts special attention to: - social inclusion - HC Concordia aims to promote social inclusion for those with economic and geographical obstacles; - non-formal and informal learning - The club's approach to young people is participative and learner-centred. It is carried mostly on a voluntary basis and, thus linked to youth's needs, aspirations and interests. The club's target group can acquire essential competencies for their personal and socio-educational development by improving their employability. - international dimension - Even though HC Concordia is a local sport club, it cherishes international perspective through cooperation with foreign hockey sport clubs organising sport events and tournaments. Regular activities of the club are volunteering, hockey training sessions & hockey games, tournaments and many other events such as hockey open door day, friends' day, hockey trips within and outside Croatia and the development of hockey in Zagreb and Croatia just to name a few. The club has more than 110 active players from 5 to 50 years old, divided in nine teams: veteran, senior, under 19 (U19), U16, U14, U11, and two boys and one girls team U9. The club has one of the largest and one of the most successful hockey schools in Croatia and the Balkans area. In this sense, HC Concordia, has grown into a local sport club with an international outlook. We look for an international perspective on the development of the club and that is why we look for young and open-minded people. Volunteers who will join us can gain a hands-on experience, practical knowledge and skills of working in an exciting sporting environment with children and youth.

Presentation of the programme

Join HK Concordia 1906, a field hockey club in Zagreb, Croatia, and help make sport more accessible to children and young people. Our project promotes solidarity, inclusion and healthy lifestyles, with a focus on young people with fewer opportunities, including children with disabilities and ADHD. Volunteers will support coaches during hockey sessions, help organise inclusive games, workshops and club events, and contribute ideas for community activities. Working alongside club staff, you will gain experience in teamwork, intercultural communication and supporting children through sport. You will also have opportunities to develop your own initiatives and reflect on your learning with a mentor. Become part of our club community and discover life in Zagreb while making a positive contribution.

About the accomodation

Volunteers will each have a private bedroom in a shared apartment in a house in a safe neighbourhood. Shared spaces include a bathroom, kitchen, dining room, living room and garden. The activity venue is around 5 minutes away by bicycle or public transport, or 20 minutes on foot. A club member lives in the same house and can help with practical needs and settling into the community. Accommodation, food and local transport are covered. Pocket money and a contribution to return travel costs are provided in line with ESC rules.

About the leisure activities

Volunteers will receive an introduction to the club, their tasks, child safeguarding and safe, inclusive sports activities. They will learn alongside coaches and receive ongoing practical guidance. A mentor will support their wellbeing, integration and learning, including reflection for Youthpass. Volunteers will take part in the relevant ESC training cycle and have access to online training and language support. They will develop skills in teamwork, intercultural communication, organising activities and supporting children with different needs.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We welcome young people aged 18–30 who enjoy sport, working with children and contributing to community life. We value motivation, reliability, patience, teamwork and an open-minded approach to people from different backgrounds and with different abilities. An interest in inclusion and a willingness to learn are important. Experience in field hockey, other sports or youth activities is welcome, but no coaching qualification is required. Volunteers should be willing to support club staff, share ideas and take initiative with guidance. Young people with fewer opportunities are encouraged to apply.Deadline: 14/09/2026 23:59