“A powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of sports leaders”

As applications open for the 2025 FISU Student Ambassadors programme, current ambassadors from different continents share their experiences at organising National Academies.

These current FISU Student Ambassadors have engaged students by facilitating national volunteer academies and volunteer training programmes. National Academies allow students to create a platform to enhance university sports in their own countries. It can strengthen partnerships and provide an opportunity to bring the wider community together through a common goal, to upskill and develop their community. It all started with Argentina and Brazil (FEDUA and CBDU) who organised their first national academies from 2017.

We reached out to Yerin Loh (Republic of Korea), Antonela Koroveshaj (Albania), Mirriam Libati (Zambia), Ivana Anicic (Croatia), and Diana Barasa (Kenya) so they can share their experiences.

Yerin Loh, Republic of South Korea, FISU Student Ambassador 2024

The energy and interest were incredible, and due to the event’s success, a follow-up academy is already planned for June in Seoul.

The 2025 FISU Academy Korea was successfully held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Sejong, with an impressive turnout. Out of 110 applicants, 30 university students were selected, reflecting strong interest and enthusiasm for the event. Due to the success of this national academy, a follow up event is planned for June in Seoul.

Organised as an in person event, the 2025 FISU Academy Korea was held in collaboration with the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee. What set this event apart was its focus on introducing FISU and the Student Ambassador Programme to students with an interest in international and university sport. Participants engaged in informative lectures and team projects designed to deepen their understanding and involvement.

Antonela Koroveshaj, Albania, FISU Student Ambassador 2024, 2025

The focus on cultural identity, mentorship, and service made this experience truly meaningful. We explored sports leadership and worked on projects that promote youth involvement, all while learning from experienced professionals in the field.

Albania’s national academy and volunteer training programmes offer a dynamic and impactful approach to engaging students in university sport and leadership.

Organised in collaboration with the Albanian University Federation Sport, the country’s National University Sports Federation (NUSF), the initiative stands out for its unique integration of Albanian cultural elements, promoting national heritage alongside sports education. A strong emphasis is placed on community engagement, with participants encouraged to develop local projects that inspire greater youth participation in sport.

Additionally, the programme offers valuable mentorship opportunities, connecting participants with experienced athletes and professionals who provide guidance and insights into the world of sports leadership.

Mirriam Libati, Zambia, FISU Student Ambassador 2023, 2024

Being part of the ZUSA Volunteer Leaders Academy has been incredibly rewarding. The academy offers opportunities to work with our national federation and local sports organisations, helping us gain practical experience and build professional networks in sport.

The ZUSA (Zambia University Sports Association) Volunteer Leaders Academy in Zambia provides a comprehensive volunteer development experience. Online sessions include meetings and interactive discussions, while the offline component involves in-person meetings and hands-on volunteer opportunities.

The programme is currently organised in collaboration with the national sports federation, ZUSA. A key feature of the academy is its commitment to expanding volunteer engagement by offering participants opportunities to work with various local sports federations and sports companies during their events, allowing volunteers to gain valuable practical experience within the sports industry.

Ivana Anicic, Croatia, FISU Student Ambassador 2017, Organising Committee and Volunteer Manager

UniSport ViLA was an immersive experience. The hybrid format allowed us to dive deep into key areas and apply those skills in real-time. It’s more than just an event; it’s an academy that shapes future leaders in sport.

UniSport ViLA, Croatia’s national academy initiative seamlessly blends online education with offline, hands-on experience. Organised in collaboration with the Croatian Academic Sports Federation (CASF), the programme is designed to cultivate future leaders in university sport through an engaging and immersive learning model.

The online component spans six days of interactive lectures and workshops, covering topics such as academic sport, volunteering, event management, media in sport, leadership, and international project work. These sessions feature insights from renowned organisations including FISU, EUSA, HASS, and UEFA. Participants are also grouped into volunteer, media, and project-focused teams, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge through collaborative exercises.

The offline segment of UniSport ViLA culminates with a practical volunteering experience at the UniSport Finals. Forty selected participants join seasoned HASS volunteers and international students from the United States to contribute to event operations across media, athlete services, accreditations, and logistics—gaining invaluable real-world experience. Through teamwork, expert-led discussions, and exposure to international best practices, participants emerge not only as skilled professionals in sports, but as socially responsible and globally minded individuals.

Diana Barasa, Kenya, FISU Student Ambassador 2023, 2024

The academy brought together all former FISU Student Ambassadors in Kenya for the first time. It was a powerful opportunity to share experiences, strengthen our network, and inspire the next generation of sports leaders.

Kenya’s national academy is conducted entirely online and marks a significant milestone as the country’s first-ever initiative of its kind. Organised in collaboration with the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF), the academy brings together former FISU Student Ambassadors (FSAs) from across the nation, creating a platform for shared learning, mentorship, and collaboration.

What makes this academy particularly unique is its pioneering role in establishing a structured space for leadership development and engagement in university sport within Kenya. By uniting past FSAs, the program fosters a strong network of experienced student leaders who are actively contributing to the growth of university sports and inspiring the next generation of volunteers and ambassadors.

Jackeline Torres Vargas, Costa Rica, FISU Student Ambassador 2023, 2024

Our goal is to inspire and empower new students through leadership training. We hope they become the next generation of university sports leaders and maybe even future FISU Ambassadors.

In Costa Rica, the national academy initiative is organised in collaboration with FedeU – Federación Universitaria de Deporte de Costa Rica. After being held offline in 2024, the academy will transition to an online format in 2025, with the goal of promoting equal access and opportunities for students across the country.
The programme is designed to inspire and empower new generations of student leaders by sharing valuable insights and experiences gained through the FISU Student Ambassadors programme. Organisers aim to cultivate future ambassadors who will carry forward a legacy of service, leadership, and pride in university sport, both nationally and on the global stage.

Tempted to join?

All member federations received the invitation and regulations to nominate their candidates to become the part of the FISU Student Ambassadors programme (former FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy).

Following taking part in the FISU Student Ambassadors training on 12-13 September 2025, students are awarded the status of the FISU Student Ambassador in their respective countries for one year. They create individual action plans, to plan and deliver relevant and specific activity together with their NUSF/CUSF to support the development of university sport in their home country or continent.

Application process is still open. For more information, please contact ambassadors@fisu.net.

By Alexandra Chua, FISU Student Ambassador for Australia