Youth Drop-in Sport
Duration: January 2025 - December 2025
Program: Erasmus+
Youth Drop-in Sport (YDIS):
Educational program to prevent Sport Drop-out for grassroots sports organisations
Youth participation in sports is crucial for physical health, mental well-being, and social development. However, many young people drop out of grassroots sports between the ages of 13 and 19, often due to various obstacles such as lack of motivation, pressure, or inadequate support systems. The EU-funded project aims to address this issue by identifying the key reasons behind youth drop-out and developing effective strategies to keep young people engaged in sports.
Coordinator:
Partners:
Youth Drop-in Sport Project Activities
According to WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, children and adolescents should do at least an average of 60 minutes per day of [...] physical activity, for at least 3 times a week. But only 12% of people between 15 and 24 have a regular physical activity!
Project Objectives
Understanding the Problem: The project partners are conducting a comprehensive study on the current state of youth drop-out in grassroots sports. By directly engaging young athletes (aged 13–19), as well as teachers and coaches, the project will identify challenges, obstacles, and best practices to improve retention.
Developing Solutions: Based on the research, partners will design the Youth Drop-In Sport Guidelines for Grassroots Programs, a practical framework to help sports clubs and coaches create inclusive, engaging, and supportive environments that encourage long-term participation in sports.
Testing & Implementation: The guidelines will be put into practice through pilot sports activities in four EU countries—France, Germany, Italy, and Spain—where their effectiveness in real-world settings will be assessed. A total of eight pilot events will provide valuable insights to refine and optimize the approach.
Spreading Impact: The findings and guidelines will be shared with grassroots sports clubs, coaches, and key stakeholders at the national, European, and international levels to promote sustainable changes in youth sports participation.
