Promoting university sport values with dynamic, emerging leaders
The FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy (FVLA) is a unique educational event designed to give emerging leaders a variety of lectures and seminars about international university sport and how to manage volunteer programmes and then apply them in their national (NUSF) or continental (CUSF) university sport federations.
Following taking part in the FVLA, participants are appointed as FISU Student Ambassadors and are tasked with creating individual action plans, to plan and deliver relevant and specific activity together with their NUSF or CUSF to support the development of university sport in their home country or continent.
The benefits for FVLA participants go beyond the practical, educational and cultural, with the top attendees earning additional elite internship and scholarship opportunities including FISU International Volunteer Programme, FISU Student Springboard Programme, etc.
I had a unique and wonderful experience with FVLA, as I discovered many countries and met many friends. I had an enjoyable time, full of experience and fun! I learned how to become a successful leader and developer of sports programs, and my thinking changed to become broader and more creative, and I learned many methods of planning and organisation.
Munirah Aljarallah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, FISU Student Ambassador 2022
I liked all the sessions, but my favorite, apart from the cultural ones of course, were definitely leadership sessions. It would be my great pleasure to organise a major sporting event one day, especially using FVLA tips and tricks as this experience has been amazing.
Ivana Prkic, Croatia, FISU Student Ambassador 2022
My favourite session would have to be listening and seeing how each region engages with their student-athletes, as it varies from continent to continent, knowing we’re creating a difference for university student-athletes. Also, engaging with the student ambassadors has been great, getting to know a few students from different countries and beginning to create a life-long friendship.
Stella Rose Lay, Australia, FISU Student Ambassador 2022
Facts & Figures from the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy
- Duration: up to 7 days when organised onsite / 3 days when organised online
- Scale: an average of 110 participants
- Reach: over 90 countries
- Frequency: every year
- Participants: students (under 25 years old) from all over the world
- Tradition: held annually since 2017
- Programme: conferences, workshops, exchange of experience, cultural exchange, group projects and much more
- Output: After FVLA participants are awarded with the status of the FISU Student Ambassadors and become helping hands of their NUSF and CUSF.