Analysis Of The Leading Policies, Strategies And Programmes For The Dual Career In Bulgaria And In The Eu

The “Dual career in sport†is a hot topic at both expert level and national and European level. The “dual career†is defined as “a career with major foci on sport and studies or work†(Stambulova & Wylleman, 2015). In this study we analyze the most common understandings of the essence of the dual career in sport, the current state of the policies, strategies, programmes and funding for athletes’ dual careers in Bulgaria as well as in EU member-states and in the EU. The aim of the study is to review the leading policies, strategies and programmes for the dual career in sport in Bulgaria and in the EU. To achieve this goal, we use theoretical and logical analysis as well as content analysis of policy documents. The results show that there is no unified theoretical and conceptual framework for the “dual career in sport†as well as national legislation, programmes for funding and support for the “dual career in sport†in Bulgaria. The results of the study can serve to raise awareness among the decision-makers about the importance of the problem and to take practical steps on their part to provide funding and support as well as to create conditions for “dual career in sport†in Bulgaria.