TRAINNING OF VOLUNTEEARS DREAM TEAM FOR EUC HANDBALL COVILHÃ 2025
The volunteer training programme for the European Universities Handball Championship 2025 was designed as a continuous, structured, and segmented process, aiming not only to prepare volunteers operationally, but also to promote their personal and civic development as active contributors to a major international sports event.
The training unfolded over four weeks, through distinct phases, allowing volunteers to engage with the content gradually and meaningfully. This format contributed to better knowledge retention, greater schedule flexibility, and a more sustained connection with the mission of the event.
One of the central goals of the training was to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among volunteers from the very beginning. We intentionally designed moments to break the ice, stimulate informal interaction, and build an early sense of team spirit and collective mission. Volunteers were not only introduced to their roles, but also empowered to see themselves as essential
ambassadors of the values of EUSA and university sport.
Through this multi-layered approach — combining technical content, ethical reflection, soft skills and community-building — the training programme became a key pillar of the event’s human dimension, and a space where volunteers began shaping the collaborative energy they will bring to the Championship itself.
TRAINING STRUCTURE
Phase 1: Integration and Contextualization
The first phase of the training consisted of an online session, on May 19th, with all national volunteers and aimed at introducing them to the event in all its dimensions and fostering an initial sense of group identity.
The session began with a brief round of introductions, where all volunteers had the opportunity to present themselves. This was followed by the introduction of the Organising Committee’s members, who each outlined their respective roles and responsibilities during the Championship, allowing volunteers to gain a clear understanding of the event’s internal structure and the support framework behind it.
The rest of the session was carried by the Secretary General of the OC, who presented and discussed several key aspects of the event, including:
- The overall identity and branding of the Championship
- The format and schedule of the competition
- The competition venues and their specific features
- Accreditation procedures, as well as details regardin accomodation and
catering - Transport logistics, including volunteer shuttles and team mobility
- The structure and purpose of both the ceremonies and the social programme
The session provided volunteers with a holistic understanding of the event, reinforcing their role as informed and prepared team members, and laying the groundwork for their integration into the operational dynamics of the Championship.
Phase 2: General Cross-Cutting Training
The second phase of the training took place on May 22nd, in an online format, and focused on the Role and Best Practices of the Volunteer. The session was led by the member of the Organising Committee responsible for volunteer coordination.
This session highlighted the indispensable role of volunteers in the overall success of the event. Emphasis was placed on the shared objectives and core values that apply across all functional areas, reinforcing the idea that every volunteer, regardless of their specific role, contributes meaningfully to a collective mission.
Volunteers were also given a general overview of each operational area, along with an explanation of the main tasks and responsibilities associated with each one. This helped provide a clearer picture of how the different teams will work together and where each individual’s contribution fits within the broader event structure.
Finally, the session included a brief but important overview of the rights and responsibilities of volunteers, aiming to promote a safe, respectful, and collaborative working environment for all involved.
Phase 3: Area-specific Training
During the third phase, which occurred during the weeks of May 26th to June 6th, volunteers were divided into training groups based on their assigned functional areas, allowing for a more focused and relevant learning experience. This segmentation enabled the delivery of specific and practical content tailored to the distinct needs and responsibilities of each area.
The goal was to ensure that each volunteer received targeted preparation aligned with the operational context they will be working in, strengthening both their confidence and effectiveness. Each group began a series of dedicated training sessions, led or supported by professionals and experienced members of the OC, covering the procedural aspects unique to their roles.
This personalised approach also created space for more interactive discussion and deeper engagement, allowing volunteers to clarify expectations, explore scenarios, and begin building team dynamics within their area.
Phase 3: Medical Support - Module 1: First Aid Training
The first area-specific training session for the Medical Support team took place on May 27th in a hybrid format (in-person and online). It was delivered by Antes Que Te Queimes, a student-led initiative from the University of Beira Interior (UBI) and focused on raising awareness and educating the academic community on emergency response and risk prevention.
This session focused on first aid procedures, addressing a variety of health-related topics particularly relevant to the context of a high-intensity sports event.
The training covered the most common and likely medical scenarios that may arise during the championship, providing volunteers with a clear and practical overview of the appropriate response protocols in each situation.
Given that the Organising Committee made it a requirement for Medical Support Volunteers to have previous certified training in basic life support and first aid, this first session was designed as a refresher, reinforcing existing knowledge and ensuring alignement with the event’s health protocols.
Phase 3: Medical Support - Module 2: Physiotherapeutic approach in emergency
situations
The second training session for the Medical Support team was held on May 29th, once again in a hybrid format, and was led by two professionals from the event’s official medical partner, Clinic Campos Rosa: Tiago Rosa, Technical Director of the
clinic, and João Pinto, the Championship’s designated physiotherapist.
This session provided a more in-depth and applied perspective on medical response in sports contexts, focusing on key topics such as physiotherapeutic approaches in athletic environments, the management of trauma and injuries,
and the presentation of clinical cases.
Through expert-led discussion and practical examples, the volunteers gained valuable insights into injury assessment and immediate care strategies, further preparing them to support athletes and respond effectively to incidents during the event.
Phase 3: Medical Support - Module 3: Event safety plan
The third and final session of the Medical Support training took place on June 3rd, in a hybrid formate, and was led by the Commander of the Covilhã Civil Protection Authority.
The session was divided into two key moments. The first part focused on the presentation of the Event Safety Plan, including the identification of potential situational risk factores and the corresponding preventive measures and official response protocols. Volunteers were guided through the principles of safety coordination, risk mitigation, and emergency chain-of-command procedures within the context of the Championship.
In the second part of the session, participants took part in an on-site visit to the main competition and accomodation areas, allowing them to familiarise themselves with key locations and better understand the operational logistics of
the safety plan in practice.
This hands-on approach contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of both medical and safety procedures, reinforcing the volunteers’ preparedness for real-time response during the event.
Phase 3: Technical and Logistical Support
The specific training session for Technical and Logistical Support volunteers was held on May 29th in an online format. It was led jointly by the event’s Technical Responsible and the Coordinator of the Logistical Support Volunteers.
The session began with a detailed presentation of the technical and logistical components of the Championship, providing volunteers with a clear understanding of the infrastructure, equipment, and operational needs of the event.
This was followed by an overview of the specific tasks and responsibilities identified by the Organising Committee for volunteers within these two areas. The presentation addressed anticipated needs across competition venues, material management, mobility support, food service coordination, and general operational assistance.
This session helped to ensure that all volunteers assigned to these support roles received consistent, practical guidance ahead of the event, reinforcing clarity, readiness, and coordination among both teams.
As part of the Technical Support training, a group of volunteers was selected to take on the responsibility of real-time results updating during the Championship.
To ensure proper preparation for this task, these volunteers were integrated into the official EUSA webinar on the Furki Sports platform, which took place on June 4th. Their participation in the session allowed them to become familiar with the
platform’s interface and functionalities, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the management of competition data throughout the event.
Phase 3: Guides
The area-specific training session for the Guides took place on June 4th, in an online formate, and was led by the Coordinator of the Guide Volunteers.
During the session, volunteers were introduced to a comprehensive overview of the role and responsibilities of guides throughout the event. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of their proactive presence, their role in team reception and support, and their ability to identify and resolve potential issues or questions raised by the teams.
The session also included a presentation of key event locations, helping volunteers become familiar with the physical layout of the competition and accommodation areas. This initial virtual overview will later be reinforced by and in-person site visit to ensure full spatial orientation.
Additionally, communication skills were explored and encouraged, with a focus on clear welcoming, and culturally sensitive interactions. Volunteers were also introduced to the event’s social programme and the cultural offering of the city of Covilhã, enabling them to not only guide, but also actively promote participant engagement with the local community and cultural landscape.
Phase 3: Communication and Image Volunteers
The area-specific training session for the Communication and Image volunteers took place on June 5th, in an online format, and was led by the Coordinator of the Communication and Image Volunteers, with the support of the remaining members of the event’s communication team.
During the session, participants were introduced to the event’s official Communication Plan, including its core messagins, visual identity, and overall media and publicity strategy. The session also outlined the key channels and formats to be used before and during the Championship, highlighting how volunteers will contribute to content production, coverage and outreach.
The training provided a practical foundation fot the team’s work in areas such as photography and video, social media management and press assistance, ensuring that all volunteers were aligned with the tone, goals, and workflow of the communication strategy.
Phase 4: Consolidation and Team Building
The final phase of the volunteer training programme consisted of a team-building day held on June 14th in Verdelhos, a village in the municipality of Covilhã. The main objective of this initiative was to foster familiarity and connection between the volunteers and the Organising Committee, while promoting a collaborative and inclusive team spirit through a more informal and human-centred approach.
The day began at 9:30 AM with the departure to Verdelhos, where volunteers were welcomed with a coffee break that encouraged casual interaction and spontaneous conversation among participants. This was followed by a traditional bread-making demonstration in local community ovens - a relaxed and symbolic moment that reinforced the values of community and shared identity we aim to cultivate within the volunteer team.
In the beggining of the afternoon, the programme shifted to a more formative component, with a session on Stress Management and Critical Situations, led by the Volunteer Coordinator of the OC. The session addressed potential stress-inducing factors related to the event and introduced effective strategies to help volunteers manage pressure and protect their well-being. It also served to reinforce the collective mindset and attitude the OC seeks to instil in all volunteers when interacting with participants and handling challenging
situations.
Phase 4: Consolidation and Team Building
To consolidate the knowledge delivered throughout all training phases, the group engaged in a Kahoot quizz competition, featuring questions related to the event’s structure, logistics, and protocols. This was followed by an “Ice Breaker Bingo” activity, which further encouraged personal connection.
The day concluded with an informal and friendly gathering, allowuing participants to socialise and enjoy each other’s company before returning to Covilhã - a meaningful close to a training programme that placed both preparation and people at its core.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
The development and implementation of the Volunteer Training Plan for the European Universities Handball Championship 2025 represented not only a logistical and operational milestone, but also a clear commitment to the human and relational dimension of the event.
This programme aimed to innovate by investing in a progressive, segmented, and continuous approach - creating multiple points of contact between volunteers and the OC over time. This structure allowed for the early integration of volunteers into the event’s dynamics, while strengthening thein sense of purpose, mission and belonging.
The feedback collected from the volunteers was highly positive, with many highlighting how important it was to feel welcomed and part of the team from an early stage. They appreciated the balance between technical content and community-building moments, and felt more prepared and motivated to contribute meaningfully to the success of the Championship.
It is important to note that this Training Plan did not include international volunteers, as their needs differ in terms of format and timing. For this specific group, we opted to hold informal online meetings focused on introducing the event, and will follow up with area-specific meetings based on the roles they have selected.
This flexible and individualised approach aims to ensure that international volunteers are equally well-prepared and integrated, despite their physical distance and different availability.
Overall, this training programme served not only as a preparation tool, but as an important vehicle for building a cohesive, empowered and motivated team of volunteers, ready to embody the spirit of the EUC Handball 2025.
