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REFORM Project Newsletter – April 2025

REFORM Project Newsletter – April 2025

Dear REFORM Team and Partners,

REFORM Project April, As spring arrives, the REFORM project is entering an exciting phase. With data collection now behind us, we’re turning insights into action – developing practical, high-quality educational materials for use across European football.

This newsletter highlights our latest progress, with a special focus on Work Package 2 (WP2) and how stakeholder collaboration will guide the next steps.

From Data to Design: Initial Insights Shaping WP2

With input from 4,862 respondents and 12 focus groups completed across four countries, we have conducted an initial synthesis of the data. While a full scientific analysis is underway and will be published in due course, these early findings already offer a solid basis for shaping the direction of our educational tools.

Key takeaways so far:

  • High general awareness of concussion risks, but misunderstandings persist, especially regarding symptom recognition and return-to-play.
  • Underreporting remains a concern, particularly among youth players, due to stigma or fear of exclusion.
  • Coaches and referees express a preference for short, flexible online training and practical materials they can easily integrate into club routines.

These insights are now directly informing our work in WP2.

Educational Material Development Underway – WP2

We are now entering the development phase of three major deliverables (due by 31 May 2025):

  • D2.2 – MOOC “Teach the Teacher”: for educators of coaches and health professionals
  • D2.3 – MOOC for coaches and healthcare staff working directly with youth
  • D2.6 – Toolkits for certified REFORM educators, including materials to support youth players and their parents

To ensure these materials are feasible, relevant, and usable at grassroots level, we are now conducting a round of stakeholder consultations.

REFORM Project April Meetings with national football associations and key project partners are being scheduled throughout April and May. These dialogues will give us essential input on:

  • Preferred course length, format, and structure
  • Practical needs at club level
  • Language accessibility and delivery platforms
  • National-specific constraints or alignment opportunities

MindTheConcussion.com – Stay Updated

Our website mindtheconcussion.com continues to grow as the central hub for REFORM:

  • Project news and progress reports
  • Educational content as it becomes available
  • Scientific publications and presentations

ICYMI: In February, REFORM was presented at the UEFA Medical Symposium in Lugano. The session generated significant interest in harmonizing concussion education efforts across Europe – a promising step forward for the visibility and future reach of the project.

REFORM Project April: What’s Next

Here’s what’s coming up in Q2 and Q3 2025:

  • April–May: Stakeholder consultations and co-creation sessions for WP2
  • May: Finalization of draft MOOCs and toolkits for internal review
  • June–September: Pilot testing of educational resources in four countries
  • Autumn: Preparation for 20 club rollout in collaboration with UEFA and national federations

Thank You for Being Part of REFORM

REFORM is only possible through strong partnerships. We are deeply grateful for your continued engagement – in data collection, dialogue, and now content development.

Together, we are building not just concussion awareness, but a stronger culture of care, safety, and shared responsibility in football.

Best regards,

REFORM Project Team