Back to search

incSPORT/inSPAIN

2022-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-0001027992022Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: ES|IT|BG|HR|LT|TR|RO · Grant: €24,897
Inclusion of marginalised young peopleReception and integration of refugees and migrantsHuman rights and rule of law

Objectives

The inSPORT/inSPAIN project was implemented in the small rural town of Robledo (Albacete) and focused on the inclusion of migrant and refugee youth through sports. It brought together youth workers from seven different countries, who participated in a structured training focused on sports as a tool for inclusion. The project was both a professional and personal learning journey for the participants and had a transformative impact on the local community. Throughout the project, participants enhanced their ability to identify the needs of marginalized young people, develop inclusive methodologies, organize intercultural sports events, and promote social cohesion. They acquired tools to work effectively in multicultural environments, resolve conflicts, and foster safe and welcoming environments. These competencies were reinforced through hands-on sessions, workshops, sports tournaments, and creative activities that emphasized teamwork and empathy. The local community played a key role. Activities involving local children, teenagers, and migrants created moments of genuine connection. For example, some children, touched by the experience of spending time with participants from diverse backgrounds, were moved to tears upon their departure. Matches and shared meals brought different cultures together, creating a space for mutual understanding. Economically, the project also had a positive impact on the area, benefiting local shops, rural houses, bars, caterers, and transport services. Participants not only shared the outcomes of the project through reports and social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), but also actively promoted Erasmus+ and healthy lifestyles. The Romanian team held in-person events to replicate some of the activities with their organization’s beneficiaries, and the final training materials and two educational documents were translated and published online for free use. The project gave rise to new partnerships. One of the Croatian participants, who was in the process of founding her own organization, submitted her first youth exchange project with us as partners. We are also partnering again with organizations from Turkey and Lithuania, which were founded or represented by participants. An Italian artist who took part in the training will be a facilitator in one of our upcoming exchanges. Furthermore, we are exploring proposals under the Creative Europe programme and intend to continue working in Robledo due to the strong local connections and mutual interest in future collaborations. inSPORT/inSPAIN laid the groundwork for a long-lasting European network of youth workers, committed to using sports to fight exclusion and build inclusive, healthy, and connected communities.

Project partners (7)