REFORM Project Newsletter – October 2026
REFORM Enters Implementation Phase – WP3 Meeting in Zagreb
February marked a significant milestone for the REFORM project.
Partners gathered in Zagreb for the WP3 Meeting, generously hosted by the Croatian Football Federation and the University of Split – School of Medicine. The meeting represented a decisive shift in the project timeline — from development to implementation and validation.
Over the past months, WP2 focused on building the REFORM foundation: the Practical Intervention Methodology (PIM), the digital platform, MOOCs, toolkits, storytelling videos, and the Citizens Engagement Strategy. With these core elements now delivered and submitted, the project is fully entering the implementation phase under WP3.
“WP3 is where REFORM becomes real.
We are now moving from development to proof.”
From Methodology to Measurable Impact
The central focus of the Zagreb meeting was alignment.
While educational content and tools have been developed, implementation across countries must now be harmonised to ensure comparable and measurable impact.
During two intensive working days, partners agreed on:
- A shared implementation status overview per country
- A harmonised validation framework
- Common indicators and minimum datasets
- Standardised reporting templates and deadlines
- A coordinated risk mitigation approach
This alignment is essential. Strong activities alone are not sufficient — documentation and comparability across countries are necessary to demonstrate European added value.
Pilot Phase Launch – March 13
The consortium confirmed the structured timeline for the upcoming pilot phase.
The MOOC pilot will officially launch on March 13, initiating a coordinated validation sequence:
- Pre-Survey (Experience & Demographics)
Completed prior to MOOC launch to capture participant background and baseline data.
- MOOC Knowledge Assessment
- Pre-test at course start
- Post-test upon completion
This ensures measurable knowledge acquisition.
- Post-MOOC Evaluation Survey
Deadline: April 7
Designed to assess participant experience, perceived learning outcomes, and applicability.
- Toolkit Finalisation (Presentation Version)
Deadline: April 7
Refinement based on MOOC results and participant feedback.
- Educational Session for Players and Parents
Scheduled: May 1
Delivery of tailored educational content at grassroots level.
- Post-Teaching Survey
Deadline: May 2
Immediate evaluation of session impact.
- Focus Group (Qualitative Follow-Up)
Planned: May 12
Final wrap-up and reporting: May 17
This structured approach ensures that both quantitative and qualitative data are systematically collected during implementation.
Strengthening the European Concussion Community
Beyond implementation metrics, the meeting also addressed sustainability and European cascade strategy.
Partners discussed:
- Scaling through National Football Federations
- Embedding education into licensing structures
- Strengthening the REFORM community of practice
- Long-term sustainability beyond Erasmus+ funding
The coming months will focus on expanding pilot activities, collecting harmonised validation data, activating the social media campaign, and consolidating engagement across participating countries.
Moving Forward
REFORM has now entered its most critical phase.
The transition from development to implementation requires structure, alignment, and shared responsibility across all partners.
With a harmonised validation framework in place and the pilot launch confirmed, the consortium moves forward with clarity and momentum.
Further updates on pilot outcomes and European rollout will follow in the coming months.
