Joining the Network
The first step is for a canoeing club to become a member of the EuroSport Experience Association and join the Eurokayak Experience exchange network.
As part of the registration process, clubs initially join one discipline community. As they grow within the network, they may later expand their participation to a second discipline community or adjust their focus according to the development of their sporting activities.
This structure allows athletes and clubs to connect with organisations that share similar sporting environments, technical objectives and development goals.
Currently, active communities exist in kayak polo and kayak cross, while new communities are being developed in sprint and slalom.
Once accepted into the network, clubs become eligible to participate in discipline-based exchanges and future collaborative initiatives across Europe.
Erasmus+ Supported Exchanges
Eurokayak Experience exchanges are currently developed with the support of the Erasmus+ programme, helping participating clubs access international mobility opportunities for their athletes.
Erasmus+ funding covers the main exchange costs, including travel, accommodation, meals and programme activities.
EuroSport Experience coordinates the entire Erasmus+ process on behalf of each club, including project design, partner coordination, application preparation, project management and final reporting.
In addition, EuroSport Experience manages all logistical and administrative aspects of each exchange, allowing clubs to focus on their athletes, sporting activities and the exchange experience itself.
This support makes international exchanges far more accessible, significantly reducing the financial barriers to participation while strengthening cooperation between canoeing clubs across Europe.
How Exchanges Work
Participants and Group Composition
Each exchange is a one-week international experience in which a group of 8 participants from the same club travels to another European club within the same canoeing discipline.
According to Erasmus+ funding conditions, participants must be between 14 and 30 years old. However, some disciplines or specific programmes within the EuroKayak Experience network may establish more restrictive age criteria according to their own regulations.
Each group must include at least one Group Leader over the age of 18 who acts as the responsible person during the exchange. This role may be fulfilled by one of the participants travelling with the group or by an additional person designated by the club.
Sport, Culture and Learning
Throughout the week, participants take part in a balanced programme combining sporting, cultural and social activities. Athletes train together, share technical knowledge and experience different coaching methods, facilities and sporting environments related to their discipline.
Alongside the sporting programme, participants discover the local culture through organised visits, tourism activities, cultural experiences and opportunities to explore the host region. These activities help develop intercultural understanding, improve communication skills and create lasting international friendships.
Participation and Support
All participants included in the mobility, including the Group Leader, benefit from the same participation conditions and Erasmus+ support throughout the exchange.
By combining sport, culture and international mobility, each exchange becomes a unique learning experience for both athletes and clubs.
The Exchange Network
The operation of Erasmus+ youth mobility programs involves grouping three clubs from different countries to conduct exchanges over a 18-month period. EuroSport Experience assigns three clubs with approved projects into Biannual Programs. The EuroKayak Experience exchange network aims to create as many Biannual Programs as possible, providing a broad and attractive network for all participants.
Within each Biannual Exchange Program, three meetings will be organized — one in each club’s location — attended by the other two partner clubs. These exchanges must take place within an 18-month period, ensuring that all participants experience hosting and visiting roles equally, fostering balanced collaboration and cultural exchange.
The Biannual Exchange Program follows this cycle from the date of its approval by Erasmus+.
At the end of each biannual cycle, preparations for a new two-year period begin, incorporating new clubs into the EuroKayak Experience exchange network if desired. This allows clubs to visit new venues in subsequent years.
Duration and Participants
- Each exchange lasts 7 days, with a balanced program of educational, sports, and cultural activities.
- Each club can bring 8 to 10 participants, plus a group leader who may be over 30 years old.
- Travelers do not need to be exclusively from the club: groups can also include players from nearby clubs or motivated individuals who wish to join.
This flexibility ensures that every exchange is inclusive and enriching.
Travel Organization
Weeks before each exchange, your club will receive a complete itinerary with every detail: flights, accommodation, meals, activities, and schedules. This allows participants to follow the program with full independence.
Responsibilities of the Hosting Club
When your club hosts visitors, a Host Coordinator must be appointed. This person will be the contact point with EuroKayak Experience and will be responsible for:
- Ensuring the safety and comfort of visitors.
- Collecting attendance sheets for activities.
- Coordinating club members to join trainings or kayak polo activities, if applicable.
The coordinator does not need to attend every activity, and responsibilities can be shared among different people.
Exchange Dates
The dates are agreed between the host club and the visiting club. There is a one-year window after project approval to choose the best timing, depending on players’ availability and the club’s possibilities.
👉 In short: EuroKayak Experience manages everything — your club simply trains, travels, and shares unforgettable experiences with other European clubs.
What’s Next?
If your club would like to participate in future exchanges, the next step is to become a member of the EuroSport Experience Association and join the EuroKayak Experience network.
Our team will guide you through the process and help identify the most suitable discipline community for your club.