#95.1: The B.E.S.T. Project: Bringing Taekwondo into Schools Through European Collaboration

The B.E.S.T. Project (Bringing Education in Schools through Taekwondo) represents an important step forward in the development of Taekwondo within the educational system, built on strong international cooperation and shared European values.

This initiative is the result of a strategic collaboration between delegates of F.I.T.A. (Federazione Italiana Taekwondo) and the Malta Taekwondo Association (M.T.A.), with the common goal of introducing Taekwondo into schools on a wider and more structured scale.

At its core, the B.E.S.T. Project aims to promote Taekwondo as an educational tool that supports physical development, discipline, inclusion, respect, and personal growth among young people.

By integrating Taekwondo into school programmes, the project seeks to contribute positively to students’ physical literacy, mental wellbeing, and social skills, while aligning with modern European educational objectives.

Two key transnational meetings have marked the foundation and progression of the project.

The first meeting took place on 15 January 2025 in Palermo, Italy, where representatives from F.I.T.A. and M.T.A. met to define the project framework, exchange best practices, and outline shared objectives.

The second meeting was held on 16 October 2025 in Qawra, Malta, further strengthening cooperation between the two organisations and focusing on implementation strategies, educational methodologies, and long-term sustainability of Taekwondo in school environments.

The B.E.S.T. Project is supported by funding obtained through the European Erasmus+ Programme for Sport, which plays a vital role in enabling cross-border collaboration and innovation in grassroots sport initiatives.

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship programme for education, training, youth, and sport. Originally launched in 1987 under the name Erasmus, it has been known as Erasmus+ since 2014 and remains one of the most recognised and impactful EU-funded programmes. Its success is reflected in its reach, having involved over 13 million people across Europe since its inception. Through Erasmus+, organisations are empowered to share knowledge, develop skills, and foster cooperation that transcends national boundaries.

Through the B.E.S.T. Project, F.I.T.A. and M.T.A. demonstrate how sport — and Taekwondo in particular — can serve as a powerful educational vehicle, reinforcing European cooperation while investing in the next generation. This initiative not only strengthens the role of Taekwondo within schools, but also contributes to the broader European mission of inclusion, quality education, and lifelong participation in sport.