Transforming Sport for Development Projects through Evidence-based Strategies
The European Sport Development Agency (ESDA) is dedicated to transforming the landscape of sport with a focus on research-led innovation. We offer a range of services, including comprehensive scientific research and effective monitoring & evaluation solutions.
Based in Denmark but with an international outlook, the agency works to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and practice at local, national and international levels.
Current and Past Projects
European Workplaces: Be Active
An ongoing project examining the impact of sports events and sports-promoting digitial solutions on workplace productivity. EWBAproject aims to promote physical activity in the workplace through a hybrid model, combining digital challenges over several months and large-scale sports events.
REACT
The Rethinking Environments for ACTive students and young professionals (REACT) project addresses the decline in physical activity during key life transitions, particularly when entering higher education and the professional world.
Aspiring and Inspiring Youth Leadership
Ten European partners teamed up to put together an inspiring leadership programme for youth leaders who were ready to make a next step toward a more senior function in the national or international sports world. Website here.
Work, Move & Perf
The WMP project was the first EU study focusing on the effects of sport and physical activity on the performance of employees and companies across the continent. Website here
EuroHockey Institute
An ERASMUS+ Co-funded grant, the EuroHockey Institute project represented a root and branch restructuring of the way Field Hockey is governed across the European Continent. See the institute website here.
'Love is All:' Sport for persons with Intellectual Disabilities
This project aimed to empower more intelectually disabled players to participate in Field Hockey, and to support them to build their confidence on and off the pitch and thus improve their mental health. Website here.
Move @ Work
With co-financing from the Erasmus+ Programme under the European Commission, Move at Work was a three-year collaborative project led by the European Federation focused on developing workplace Health Enhancing Physical Activity resources. Website here.
Following the new EuroHockey brand launch in August 2023, together with a new website, this project concentrated on the digital architecture behind the scenes for a member national association portal for Field Hockey. See more here.
Workplace Active Certification
With co-financing from the Erasmus+ Programme under the European Commission, Workplace Active Certification developed a certification process aimed at companies to promote physical activity initiatives. Website here.
Supporting Women to Achieve their Goals ('SWinG)
This project sought to facilitate and support emerging/aspiring women sport leaders in achieving a change-making position in sport governing bodies. See more here.
Bringing sport to the Workplace: 'Gymnobus.'
A novel concept in promotion of physical activity in the Workplace, 'Gymnobus' comprised pilots in France and Portugal. Find out more here.
Meet Our Team of Experts
Dr. Adam B. Evans
CEO and founder
Holding a PhD in sport for development, Adam brings over a decade of academic expertise from a leading university to spearhead our project initiatives. His enthusiasm for research and collaborative efforts drives our success. Find his institutional profile here.
Dr. Phillipa Caudwell
deputy director
With a PhD in Exercise Physiology, Phillipa brings a wealth of scientific and industrial experience to the agency.
'Adam brings strong methodological rigour and organisational clarity, structuring projects effectively before, during, and after implementation. Across sport and physical activity, he enhances project quality, innovation, and measurable long-term impact.'Gurvan Heuzé, Founder of KGH Conseil, France
Adam brings an energising, forward‑thinking dynamic grounded in genuine real‑world expertise. His approach empowers you to not only shape and champion innovative ideas, but to turn them into tangible outcomes that drive meaningful progress and lasting impact.Tom Pedersen-Smith, EuroHockey Head of Strategy and Development, Belgium & UK
Whenever I am working on a proposal for a new Erasmus+ Sport programme that requires an expert academic partner, Adam is always one of the first people I call. In addition to his broad expertise and reliable communication, I particularly value Adam’s ability to ask the right, and sometimes challenging, questions. This ensures that our projects are built on solid assumptions and not just good intentions. We often believe we are doing the right thing for the next generation, but with Adam I know we are truly making the right decisions.Gino Schilders, Sports Project Manager & Former president Czech Hockey Federation