As part of the FUSION project’s data-gathering efforts, a comprehensive survey on student and alumni engagement in sports was conducted between January and May 2025. The survey aimed to identify how sports behavior, motivations, and obstacles change as individuals transition from university into their professional careers.
We are pleased to share the results and analysis of this research, which gathered 183 valid responses from across Europe.
Key Survey Findings:
1. Participation Trends
The research tracked significant shifts in sports engagement across three distinct life stages:
- Before University: Many respondents were highly active, frequently dedicating 4–5 hours or more per week to sports.
- During University: Engagement varied significantly; while some previously inactive individuals increased their activity, those who were highly active before university often experienced a decrease.
- Post-Graduation: A significant decline in sports participation was noted among alumni compared to their student years, with particularly high dropout rates in team and individual sports.
2. Sports Settings & Preferences
- During Studies: Engagement was primarily individual (30%), though university sports offerings (23%) and previous sports clubs (20%) remained vital.
- In Professional Life: Individual engagement rose to 36% as the leading setting. However, combined engagement in organized settings (university alumni programs or employer-sponsored sports) fell to less than 12%.
- Stability in Fitness: While team sports saw a decrease after studies, participation in fitness and health-related sports remained relatively stable or even increased as respondents entered the workforce.
3. Motivators vs. Barriers
- Primary Motivators: High motivation (31%) and health awareness (23–27%) were the leading factors for staying active across all stages.
- The Time Barrier: The most significant obstacle was lack of time, cited by 53% of students and 46% of professionals.
- Changing Obstacles: During studies, lack of access to facilities was a primary concern (9%), whereas in professional life, a lack of motivation (11%) became a more significant barrier than infrastructure.
Demographics at a Glance:
- Average Age: 29.
- Gender Balance: 51% Male, 49% Female.
- Value of Sport: 97% of respondents consider an active lifestyle "Very Important" or "Important" to their overall well-being.
- Primary Locations: France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia.
Conclusions & Recommendations:
The FUSION project consortium has identified several key areas for action based on these results:
- Flexible Programming: Universities and employers should offer shorter, more flexible sports activities to accommodate tight schedules.
- Financial Accessibility: Subsidizing memberships and offering free university-led activities can reduce financial barriers during and after studies.
- Alumni Inclusion: Higher education institutions are encouraged to foster cooperation with sports clubs or extend their own services to alumni to prevent "sport dropout".
- Social Connection: Promoting the social aspects of sport is essential to maintaining motivation and building community ties.
Download the Full FUSION Survey Analysis (PDF)
About the FUSION Project:
The FUSION project (Future links for University athletes with Sports clubs Integrating Organised Networks) aims to strengthen the connection between universities and sports clubs. By facilitating communication and building supportive networks, we help students maintain a healthy, active lifestyle as they transition into adulthood and professional life.
Project Partners:
- Coordinator: EUSA Institute (Slovenia)
- Latvian University Sports Federation (LUSF)
- Lithuanian Students' Sports Association (LSSA)
- University of Hamburg (UHAM)
- Toulouse University Club (TUC)
Disclaimer:
FUSION project is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.