In its programme, the government has committed to promoting athletes’ dual careers. The aim of dual-career initiatives is to enable athletes aspiring to reach the highest level to combine goal-oriented training with education while laying the groundwork for a working career after their sporting career. The topic was discussed at a roundtable discussion on 29 September.

On 29 September, Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz and Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity Mika Poutala brought together athletes and representatives of sports schools, sports academies and municipalities for a roundtable discussion on developing athletes’ dual careers.

During the roundtable discussion, the need for more systematic planning and greater continuity in supporting dual careers at different stages of an athlete’s educational pathway was highlighted. The participants also emphasized the importance of pooling and centralizing expertise, as well as clarifying the responsibilities and roles of the various stakeholders. For example, a report by the Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport (KIHU) recommended securing a regionally accessible network of sports academies through long-term funding. 

– For many young people, sports are a very important part of their lives and daily routines. During the discussion, it was noted that many things are working well, but there is still a need for further development. In particular, the need for flexibility throughout the entire educational pathway and long-term solutions were highlighted. The Finnish model for athletes’ dual careers is quite good by international standards. Athletes are at the heart of this model, and the aim of further development must be to strengthen the support available to them, says Minister of Education Adlercreutz.
 
The discussion also highlighted the importance of more clearly distinguishing between the objectives of high-performance sport and those of promoting a physically active lifestyle in educational institutions. Alongside their studies, an athlete aspiring to reach the highest level needs high-quality coaching, expert support services and sufficient flexibility to train and compete.

Athletes Nathalie Blomqvist, Elmo Lakka, and Nette Kiviranta shared their own experiences of combining studies and high-performance sport. According to them, it is essential, for example, that educational institutions understand the demands of a high-performance athlete’s daily life and the unique characteristics of a sports career. Solutions are needed that allow athletes to pursue their sporting goals while making progress in their studies. The demands of different sports vary, and their training and competition seasons fall at different times during the academic year, which is why the same arrangements are not suitable for all athletes.

– The dual-career system for athletes works well, and it is important to continue developing it through seamless cooperation between the sport and education sectors. During the discussion, we heard excellent insights on the challenges of promoting dual careers and potential solutions for the future. We must now continue our determined efforts to promote athletes’ dual careers and professional opportunities in sport, says Minister Poutala, a former athlete himself.

The government aims to make it easier to combine a sporting career with studies and work. Among other measures, the government has doubled funding for athletes’ vocational training and secured funding for sports academies and training centres. In addition, goal-oriented competitive sport will in future be recognised as grounds for a discretionary extension of the period of student financial aid.

For more information:
Anita Westerholm, Special Advisor to the Minister of Education, tel. 0295 330 085
Toni Ahva, Special Advisor to the Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity, tel. 0295 330 036

Source: Ministry of Education and Culture press release, October 2, 2026