Game-changing alliance: sportanddev and ISCA join forces

“We can do it together!” This is the rallying call of the move of the International Platform on Sport and Development (sportanddev) and the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA). The two have formed a multi-year strategic partnership to ensure that sport better serves all in society, with a focus on strengthening impact and collaboration in sport and development.

The agreement means that the operations of sportanddev (finance, human resource and legal) will be managed by ISCA, a non-governmental and not-for-profit umbrella association open to organisations working within the field of recreational sport and physical activity. ISCA is headquartered in Denmark but operates globally with a community of 3669 users and a democratic backbone of 79 full and premium member organisations across the world. ISCA has significant experience in topics including sport policy and advocating for sport for all.

ISCA was selected as the new host for sportanddev after a public call for proposals in 2022 and an extensive review process by the sportanddev Steering Board. sportanddev was hosted by the Swiss Academy for Development for the last 20 years since the inception of the platform in 2003.

What does the alliance mean?

The two entities will engage in close strategic cooperation but will remain as distinct organisations and brands. Their respective boards will continue to operate independently and set the course for the development of sportanddev and ISCA, respectively.

This means sportanddev will maintain its autonomy and impartiality, critical to its success as a leading global platform for sport and development.

The shared ambitions are high! By joining forces, the two organisations aim to strengthen not only their own work but also to start new initiatives that can impact the whole sector and consolidate the sport for development community through better collaboration and a more unified voice.

Ben Howard, chair of the sportanddev Steering Board, says: “sportanddev is looking to broaden its impact. Through this strategic alliance with ISCA, we are confident that we can deliver a bigger reach, form more partnerships and continue to demonstrate leadership for the sport for development sector and all our stakeholders who remain critical to our mission.”

President of ISCA Mogens Kirkeby agrees: “ISCA is very pleased to engage in this alliance. With our strong starting point in sport for all, physical activity and play, we can now provide additional opportunities and open new doors for our members and stakeholders in the field of sport for development. We look forward to the journey!”