#75 In conversation with Marisa Schlenker - Sports as a development tool

Welcome to this week’s episode of our podcast, where we are thrilled to have Marisa Schlenker as our special guest. Marisa is a remarkable individual whose passion for community and its transformative power in the sports industry is truly inspiring.

In this episode, we dive deep into Marisa’s journey and explore her unwavering dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and unity within sports communities. With her extensive experience and expertise, Marisa sheds light on the pivotal role that community can play in bringing about real, tangible value and driving positive change within the sports world.

As we explore these topics and so much more, Marisa’s passion shines through, inspiring listeners to reflect on the power of community within the sports industry and beyond. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how community-driven initiatives can bring about real change, foster meaningful connections, and create a more inclusive and vibrant sports environment.

Marisa Schlenker is a former professional football player with semi-professional and professional playing experience in Sweden, Spain, Germany, and the USA. With 10+ years of experience in the sport for the social development sector, she has worked on a variety of projects and initiatives which position sport as a contributor to sustainable development goals. As a monitoring, evaluation, and learning specialist she has worked with key players in the football for purpose, gender equality, and social activism space including Discover Football, EIR Ggwcup, FARE Network, Yunus Sports Hub, and Common Goal.

She is committed to doing her part as a football fan, coach, and player to do more and in an accelerated way around environmental and social sustainability and climate action. As a programme manager at Yunus Sports Hub, she gets to work with and learn from a dynamic and diverse group of young sports social entrepreneurs who are creating positive change in their local communities in and through sport.

Here are some links to sports for development resources:

1. Sportanddev platform: https://www.sportanddev.org/

2. GIZ Learning Hub: https://www.sport-for-development.com/learning-lab

3. IOC Young Leaders Learning Hub: https://olympics.com/ioc/sport-and-active-society/young-leaders/learning-hub

4. Women Win- The Learning Playground: https://playground.womenwin.org/

4. Bridging the Divide in Sport and Sustainable Development: https://www.iir.jpnsport.go.jp/en/sdgs/#page=1

Podcast art image credit: EUSA