Call for Proposals: Play for the Lead Research Partner

Remote

Full or part-time

Freelancer

Description

The adidas Foundation is seeking an individual researcher, research team, university, or research institution to design and implement a research study for Play for the Lead, a three-year initiative in France, Germany, and Spain. The research will explore how youth participation approaches are associated with participation and retention in sport and physical activity among girls and young women from migrant, refugee, first- and second-generation, asylum-seeking, and ethnically marginalised communities.

The research partner will develop the research design and assessment framework, lead or coordinate relevant data collection and analysis, and generate practical learning and recommendations for the adidas Foundation, partner organisations and the wider Sport for Development sector. The approach should meaningfully involve young women, apply participatory and ethical research practices, and make strategic use of existing project-generated data wherever possible.
The proposal should be submitted in the field "CV". A proposal (max. 8 pages) should contain:

Brief understanding of the assignment
Proposed methodology
Research team composition
Relevant experience
Indicative timeline
Detailed budget
CV(s)
Examples of similar research

Please review the Terms of Reference before applying: Terms of Reference_Play for the Lead Research Partner
For questions, contact David Hoffmann at impact@adidasfoundation.org.
Please submit your application by 20 November 2026.
All materials must be submitted in English.

About us

Welcome to the adidas Foundation! We are an independent nonprofit organization with the mission to harness the transformative power of sport to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges worldwide. As an initiative launched by adidas AG in Herzogenaurach, we believe in the unparalleled ability of sport to unite communities and drive positive change in the face of global issues such as conflict, inequality, discrimination, and climate change. Envisioning a world where everyone has access to the life-changing benefits of sport and physical activity, the adidas Foundation strives to create a brighter future for both people and the planet. Through direct action, capacity building, and advocacy, we collaborate with like-minded partners across the globe to bring our vision to life. Learn more about us here!

While maintaining a strong connection with adidas AG, our primary funding source, we operate with full autonomy to strategically allocate resources toward fulfilling our charitable mission. We drive impactful initiatives, including grants for nonprofit organizations worldwide, support local projects aligned with our mission and empower social entrepreneurs through grants and seed funding. Our collaborations with essential service providers guarantee the successful execution of initiatives, ranging from refurbishing community football pitches to conducting impact assessments. From local initiatives to our partners around the globe: Our aim is to empower communities worldwide. Additionally, we actively contribute to research and advocacy efforts, furthering our overarching goals. By offering expertise and support to stakeholders within the sport-for-good sector, we foster collaboration and collective progress towards achieving our mission.

If you are passionate about leveraging sport for positive change and want to be part of a dynamic organization committed to making a difference, consider joining us in our mission. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of gender identity and expression, personal background, beliefs, preferences, and abilities. Together, we can create a world where the transformative power of sport is accessible to all, changing lives and shaping a better future for generations to come.