Clean Sport at the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival

Welcome to UKAD’s dedicated hub for athletes and support personnel heading to the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2025. Whether you're competing, coaching, or supporting, this page provides essential anti-doping information to help you stay clean, informed, and confident in your role.

Event Overview:

Dates: 20–26 July 2025

Location: Skopje, North Macedonia

Participants: approximately 4000 youth athletes from across Europe

Sports: Artistic Gymnastics, Basketball (5x5 & 3x3), Canoe Slalom, Cycling, Handball, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball

 

Before you travel: what you need to know

Strict Liability

Strict liability means that you are solely responsible for any banned substance you use, attempt to use, or is found in your system, regardless of how it got there or whether there was any intention to cheat – be 100% Me.

Check Your Medications and Supplements

Global DRO is a method of checking any medications you may use against the WADA Prohibited List. It can be used to check medications bought in the UK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand and Japan. You should remain vigilant when purchasing medications from any other country, as they may contain prohibited substances. Check your medications on Global DRO and remember to save results of any Global DRO searches that you do! 

When it comes to supplements, it is important that you Assess the Need, Assess the Risk and Assess the Consequences (ANARAC) of using them. Risk minimisation programmes such as Informed Sport can help you check supplements that have been batch tested. Remember, no supplement is 100% safe to use.

Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs)

The TUE Wizard can help you understand if you need a Therapeutic Use Exemption to compete, as well as where to apply for one. Use the TUE Wizard to help you. 

IV's and IPEDs

IV's

Intravenous (IV) infusions of more than 100ml per 12 hour period are prohibited, except for those used in the course of hospital admissions, surgical procedures or clinical diagnostic investigations. In those cases, a TUE may be required, even if the substance itself is not banned. 

IPEDs

Athletes may be tempted to use Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs) for various reasons which can include gaining a competitive edge, enhancing physical appearance and to recover from injuries faster. 

IPEDs can carry serious physical and psychological consequences, including cardiovascular issues, mood disorders and hormonal imbalances. The main categories of IPEDs are:

  1. Anabolic Agents - to build muscle mass and strength
  2. Beta-2 Agonists - improve breathing and performance
  3. Peptide Hormones and Growth Factors - enhance recovery and endurance
  4. Hormone and Metabolic Modulators - alter natural hormone levels
  5. Diuretics and Masking Agents - used to hide drug use or lose weight quickly
Know the Testing Process

Athletes may be tested at any time during the EYOF. Familiarise yourself with the testing process, including your rights and responsibilities, by checking out our testing process video and information. The International Testing Agency will be responsible for testing at the Games.

Education and Resources

All athletes, coaches and medical personnel should complete approved anti-doping education (Compete Clean +, WADA ADEL* or a Clean Sport workshop delivered by an approved NGB Educator or UKAD National Trainer) and pre-event education within the last 2 years. You can find more information about the education you must complete here. If you are worried that you have not completed the correct education, please contact your sport team lead, or education@ukad.org.uk.

Without the correct education, you will not be permitted to travel to the Games!

* If you have done WADA ADEL, you will need to receive some further UK Specific anti-doping content that will help you. Please contact your sport team lead or education@ukad.org.uk if this applies to you. 

Protect Your Sport (Report doping)

If you think someone is cheating, you can tell us. UKAD has an anonymous reporting service called Protect Your Sport, which you can use before you go to any major games. Other services that you may be able to use include REVEAL from the International Testing Agency (ITA) and Speak Up from WADA. 

During the GamesClip board icon with a tick next to it

  • If you are unsure about something, speak to a member of the Team GB staff, they are there to help and support you. 
  • Be vigilant with medications, massage creams, supplements and food – avoid anything unfamiliar or unlabelled.
  • Keep your accreditation and ID with you – doping control personnel (people who test you) may approach you at any time.

     

Need Help?Information icon

UKAD Clean Sport Advice Line: +44 (0)20 7842 3450

Email: education@ukad.org.uk

Social: Follow @ukantidoping for updates

 

Let’s Celebrate Clean Sport

The EYOF is a celebration of youth, talent, and fair play. Let’s make sure it’s also a celebration of clean sport. Whether you're stepping onto the track or supporting from the side-lines, your commitment to clean sport matters.