European Perspectives on Supports for University Student-Athletes: How Dual Career Policy Development Reflects New Approaches to College Athletic and Academic Support Systems

Abstract

As with with college student-athletes in the U.S., substantial athletic and academic pressures on athletes in university setting across Europe exist. Government agencies, academicians and educators in Europe have all recognized a pressing need to provide an accommodating setting for elite student-athletes who are attending colleges and universities while they train and compete, including creating specific provisions, adaptable schedules, tutoring, mentoring, and course delivery that enhance educational experiences and outcomes. The development of academic and athletic supports in Europe appear research-based and address athlete well being more so than those in the U.S., making an examination of the current status of the research, policies and practices of European university student-athlete supports valuable for gaining understandings that can be brought to American college sport. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to review the policy development in the area of so called dual career athlete supports in Europe and how a systematic approach has been in applied in creating related policies. Conclusions and recommendations will follow this review.