Organizers 

 

 

FADU Portugal 

 

 

 

 

The Academic Federation of University Sports (FADU) of Portugal, founded on March 2, 1990, is one of the founding members of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), created in 1999. Since then, Portugal has played an active and highly relevant role in the development of European university sports, contributing consistently to the growth, consolidation and affirmation of EUSA on the international scene. FADU's work has been recognized by EUSA with the distinction of Most Active Federation in Europe on five occasions: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018.

 

 

At the national level, FADU is the entity responsible for organizing and promoting University Sports in Portugal. It coordinates the National University Championships (CNUs), which take place throughout the academic year in different regions of the country. At the national level, it currently involves more than 9,200 affiliated members, more than 110 clubs, and 480 teams, spread across 30 sports. It currently organizes 42 championships annually, awarding 300 national university titles.

 

 

Throughout its history, FADU has stood out for its credibility, dynamism, and high organizational capacity, both nationally and internationally. It is an associate member of leading entities such as the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP), the Portuguese Sports Confederation (CDP), the Portuguese Paralympic Committee (CPP), and the National Youth Council (CNJ), as well as international organizations, namely EUSA itself and the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

 

 

In the european context, last season, Portugal participated in about 20 sports, involving approximately 350 student-athletes. At the global level, in the previous season, the country was represented by 20 national university teams, mobilizing around 200 student-athletes for the Summer and Winter Universiades. Since 1996, Portugal has participated in 50 international university events, including 20 European University Championships, 18 World University Championships, and 1 European University Games.

 

 

This consistent track record is also reflected in the results achieved, with a total of 440 medals won in international competitions. Of these, 314 were won in European competitions, 73 in World University Championships, and 53 in Summer Universiades, highlighting the impact, quality, and competitiveness of Portuguese university sports on the international stage.

 

 

Over the years, Portugal has played a prominent role in European university sports and can even be called the “home of the first editions” of several European University Championships: Aveiro hosted the 1st EUC Basketball (2001), Braga organized the 1st EUC Taekwondo (2009), and the Algarve hosted the 1st EUC Golf (2009).

 

 

Below is a list of the Championships and Games organized in Portugal since FADU joined EUSA:

• 2001 EUC Basketball (Aveiro);
• 2004 EUC Volleyball (Braga);
• 2006 EUC Badminton (Lisboa);
• 2006 EUC Basketball (Guimarães);
• 2009 EUC Golf (Lagoa, Algarve);
• 2009 EUC Taekwondo (Braga);
• 2010 EUC Tennis (Coimbra);
• 2011 EUC Table Tennis (Funchal, Madeira);
• 2011 EUC Taekwondo (Braga);
• 2013 EUC Beach-Volleyball (Porto);
• 2013 EUC Judo (Coimbra);
• 2015 EUC Handball (Braga);
• 2017 EUC Football (Porto);
• 2017 EUC Judo (Coimbra);
• 2017 EUC Karate (Coimbra);
• 2017 EUC Taekwondo (Coimbra);
• 2018 EUG (Coimbra);
• 2019 EUC 3x3 Basketball (Porto);
• 2019 EUC Futsal (Braga);
• 2023 EUC Volleyball (Braga);
• 2023 EUC Basketball (Aveiro);
• 2023 EUC Rugby 7s (Lisbon);
• 2025 EUC Handball (Covilhã);
• 2025 EUC Tennis (Coimbra);
• 2025 EUC Padel (Coimbra).

 

 

In addition to these, Portugal also hosted other important institutional events, such as EUSA General Assemblies and Conferences:

• 2005 4th EUSA Symposium (Funchal, Madeira);
• 2013 EUSA General Assembly, Conference and Gala (Funchal, Madeira);
• 2016 EUG Convention (Coimbra);
• 2017 EUSA Gala and Conference (Coimbra);
• 2018 EUSA Rectors' Conference (Coimbra);
• 2019 EUSA General Assembly, Conference and EUSA 20th Anniversary Gala (Aveiro).

 

 

In a country used to hosting first editions and landmark events in the European university calendar, Portugal is once again establishing itself as a stage of excellence by hosting the debut of the EUC Athletics in August 2027, in a setting that combines history, modernity, and a passion for sport. At the same time, FADU is already preparing for the next championships to be held in Portugal: 2027 EUC Football (Porto) and 2027 EUC Table Tennis (Covilhã). In 2025, it formalized its intention to apply to host the 2032 European University Games, proposing the city of Aveiro as the venue for the event.

 

 

University of Lisbon

 

 

 

 

The relationship between the University of Lisbon (ULisboa) and EUSA has been built over more than two decades of active collaboration, marked by the organization of major international events and a constant presence in the development of european university sports. This journey reached a decisive moment on April 19, 2024, when ULisboa officially joined EUSA, formalizing an institutional bond that had been consolidated over the years.

 

 

Even before formally joining EUSA, ULisboa already played an important role in promoting European university sports. One of the most emblematic moments occurred in July 2006, when Lisbon, under the organization of ULisboa, hosted the 3rd EUC Badminton, bringing together more than 150 students from 13 countries at the facilities of the University of Lisbon Sports Center. More recently, in 2023, the historic Lisbon University Stadium hosted the EUC Rugby 7s. Organized by FADU Portugal, in tight collaboration with ULisboa, the event featured men's and women's teams from various european universities, as well as the official presence of representatives from EUSA and the main national sports and academic entities.

 

 

As an official member of EUSA, institutional trust between the two entities was consolidated in June 2025, when the association's Executive Committee awarded ULisboa, in cooperation with FADU Portugal, the organization of the 1st edition of the EUC Athletics, to be held in August 2027. The choice of the University of Lisbon represents a historic milestone for European university sports, reinforcing its position as an international benchmark in the organization of academic and sporting events. The Lisbon University Stadium was highlighted as one of the major assets of the application, due to its excellent infrastructure and proven track record in hosting national and international competitions.