SPARTA

Project Overview

The SPARTA project is a groundbreaking initiative focused on equipping sports coaches with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the digital landscape securely. As sports organizations increasingly depend on technology, the risks of cyberattacks, data breaches, and privacy violations rise. This project directly addresses these challenges by fostering a culture of cybersecurity within the sports sector. By training coaches in essential cybersecurity principles, SPARTA ensures the protection of athlete data, enhances trust, and promotes ethical practices across Europe.

The overall aim of SPARTA is to empower sports coaches to safeguard their digital ecosystems, promote safe online behavior, and contribute to a resilient, inclusive sports environment.

Project Objectives

• Raise Cybersecurity Awareness: Develop targeted training to educate coaches on identifying and mitigating cyber threats.
• Foster Inclusion: Create accessible training resources in multiple formats and languages to ensure equal learning opportunities.
• Promote Digital Resilience: Train coaches in robust data protection and incident response strategies.
• Strengthen Trust and Transparency: Build confidence in online data management among athletes and stakeholders.
• Advance IoT Security: Equip coaches with knowledge of potential vulnerabilities in connected sports devices.

Key Tools and Deliverables

SPARTA E-Learning Platform 

The SPARTA E-Learning Platform is designed to provide sports coaches with accessible, engaging, and practical cybersecurity training resources. It incorporates innovative tools to ensure effective learning and skills assessment, tailored to the needs of the sports sector.

Training modules

Comprehensive and interactive modules that equip coaches with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape securely.

• • Core Topics: Includes cybersecurity fundamentals, phishing prevention, data protection regulations, IoT security, and incident response.
  • Multimedia Learning: Content presented through videos, infographics, case studies, and quizzes to suit diverse learning preferences.
  • Adaptive Learning Paths: Personalized training journeys that adjust based on the learner’s progress and prior knowledge.
  • Accessibility: Modules are available in multiple languages and formats to ensure inclusivity for all coaches.

Assessment Tools

Comprehensive tools integrated into the platform to evaluate coaches’ understanding and application of cybersecurity concepts. 

• • Knowledge Checks: Regular quizzes and end-of-module tests to measure comprehension and retention.
  • Simulated Exercises: Real-world scenarios, such as phishing simulations and data protection challenges, to provide hands-on practice.
  • Progress Tracking: Detailed insights into learning progress and performance, enabling coaches to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Certification: Completion of the training program provides coaches with a recognized certification in cybersecurity awareness.

Short Videos

The SPARTA project includes a series of concise and engaging short videos designed to complement the e-learning platform and enhance coaches’ understanding of key cybersecurity concepts. These videos are tailored to provide quick, actionable insights and practical guidance.

• Core Topics: Focused on essential areas such as phishing prevention, secure data handling, IoT security, and identifying common cyber threats.
• Engaging Content: Videos feature real-world examples, practical tips, and scenarios relevant to sports coaches, making the learning relatable and easy to apply.
• Accessibility and Flexible Learning: Each video is concise, making it easy to fit into the busy schedules of sports coaches. They are available in multiple languages, include subtitles, and feature accessibility enhancements like audio descriptions to ensure they cater to a diverse audience.
• Integration with Other Resources: Videos are seamlessly integrated into the e-learning platform, offering supplemental learning and reinforcing key concepts covered in the training modules.

SPARTA Mobile App

The SPARTA Mobile App is a comprehensive tool designed to support sports coaches in their cybersecurity learning journey. It provides flexible, on-the-go access to training resources, tools, and features tailored to the unique needs of the sports sector. Developed with a user-centered and secure approach, the app ensures learning is effective, accessible, and practical.

• Training Modules and Video Summaries: Provides access to full training modules and concise video recaps, allowing coaches to revisit and reinforce key cybersecurity concepts.
• Self-Assessment Quizzes: Enables coaches to evaluate their knowledge, track progress, and identify areas for improvement in real-time.
• News and Alerts: Keeps coaches updated on the latest cyber threats and best practices specific to the sports sector.
• Secure Communication Channels: Offers a safe way for coaches to report incidents or seek guidance from experts.