11th National Scientific Conference “Youth on Sport” – More Than Competition: Exploring the Dynamics of the Sports Market
A full house, inspiring conversations, and young people looking at sports through a broader lens – recognizing the challenges behind on-field successes. This was the essence of the 11th edition of the National Scientific Conference “Youth on Sport” held on May 13, 2025, at the Faculty of Management and Social Communication of the Jagiellonian University. The event brought together sports enthusiasts from across Poland who wanted to gain a wider, business-oriented perspective on sports and understand the challenges of management in this rapidly evolving industry. Our foundation proudly served as an honorary patron of the conference.
Speakers Who Inspired Us:
Michał Peterman – an experienced football coach, project leader in youth football, and coordinator at KS Cracovia SA Academy. Michał discussed the challenges of building training structures and planning sports projects. He emphasized the importance of investing in young talents and creating coherent development pathways for aspiring athletes. With experience gained both in Poland and Dutch clubs, he offered participants insights into modern approaches to football coaching.
Paulina Maj-Erwardt – former Polish national volleyball team player and president of the Sparta Złotów Volleyball Association. Paulina highlighted that athletes are not just about results and medals but also personal brands. She spoke about the significance of authenticity in building an athlete’s image, shared examples of strong personal brands, and provided strategies for athletes to expand their careers beyond the court. She also addressed the concept of a “dual career” – developing a second professional path, which provides stability and self-fulfillment after a sports career.
Adam Targowski and Jakub Krzywoń – creators of the popular YouTube channel “Piłkarzyki,” demonstrating that it is possible to build a recognizable brand in the sports world without being part of traditional media. They shared their journey of turning their passion for football and creativity in video editing into a strong online community. They emphasized the importance of finding a niche, collaborating with various brands, and staying authentic in content creation. Their story is a testament to how passion-driven work can be the foundation of professional success.
Igor Woźniak – goalkeeper for the Polish amputee football national team and coach of the women’s amputee football national team. Igor spoke about the power of integration through sport, highlighting the importance of team building and supporting players who often face additional challenges. As a multiple European Championship medalist, he shared stories that show sport is not just about competition but also support, motivation, and the fight for equality.
Artur Kurzawa – Chief Operating Officer of the Polish Amputee Football Association, who has been deeply involved in the development of this discipline in Poland. Artur discussed the challenges of managing a sports organization, collaborating with international federations, and building projects such as the Champions League, Junior Camp, and Amp Futbol Ekstraklasa. He emphasized the significance of commitment, passion, and teamwork in achieving organizational success.
The conference also featured poster sessions, providing young researchers the opportunity to showcase their projects and share their research findings.
“Youth on Sport” – More Than Just a Series of Lectures!
This conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, inspiration, and motivation. It offers young people the chance to meet experts who have walked a similar path and explore various career paths in the sports industry. Such events shape the future leaders of sports – people who view sport not just through the lens of results, but as a complex structure requiring professional management, strategy, and dedication.
