The action “Connect to Grow” uses non-formal education through mixed-gender cooperation (korfball as the main model) to reduce the “boys vs girls” climate among young people and replace distrust with real contact, shared responsibility, and safe dialogue. We bring 35 young people (18–30) + 5 group leaders from Poland, Portugal, Italy, Romania and Slovakia for a 9-day Youth Exchange, designed as a trauma-aware, inclusive learning space where participation is voluntary, respectful and role-diverse (on-field and off-field roles). General goal: To reduce gender polarisation among youth by creating safe mixed-gender teamwork experiences and equipping participants and youth workers with practical, reusable methods (sport + dialogue) that can be replicated locally after the exchange. Main objectives (with youth-work indicators): 1. Safe multicultural learning space (safeguarding + trauma-aware practice) Create conditions where sensitive topics (stereotypes, hostility, consent, violence, online narratives) can be addressed without harm. Indicators: • ≥40% participants are young people with fewer opportunities. • 100% receive Day 1 safeguarding/consent briefing and know support channels. • ≥85% report feeling safe, respected and able to opt-in/opt-out (4–5/5). 2. Reduce “us vs them” dynamics through positive mixed-gender contact Use daily mixed-country, mixed-gender teamwork (korfball + cooperative games) to build trust and equal responsibility. Indicators: • ≥80% report higher confidence to cooperate in mixed-gender teams (post vs baseline). • ≥75% report improved empathy/perspective-taking toward other genders. 3. Challenge gender stereotypes and “gender myths” in a practical, non-confrontational way Replace abstract debates with role-reversal (voluntary), reflection tools and real teamwork under equal rules. Indicators: • ≥70% can name 3 stereotype/polarisation drivers (incl. online) and 2 constructive responses. • Observable reduction of hostile generalisations in group discussions (facilitator observation grid + reflection notes). 4. Build key competences for everyday life (communication, conflict skills, consent/boundaries) Train respectful disagreement, active listening, de-escalation, and boundary-setting across genders and cultures. Indicators: • ≥75% report improved ability to handle disagreement without hostility (4–5/5). • 100% practise at least one structured dialogue method (fishbowl/debate café/values line) in a small group role. 5. Ensure meaningful inclusion through role choice (on-field and off-field) Make participation accessible for non-sport youth, anxious participants, and those with physical limits via alternative roles. Indicators: • 100% take at least one rotating micro-role (e.g., fair-play monitor, inclusion buddy, referee assistant, media/logistics, discussion host). • No participant is excluded from core outcomes due to sport level (tracked via role log). 6. Youth leadership and civic voice through public outcomes Participants co-create and deliver a youth-led public conference (on-site + online) and an exhibition korfball match as a visible model of equality and cooperation. Indicators: • 100% contribute to at least one public/outward-facing task (conference role, match role, toolkit input). • Conference delivered with youth speakers/moderators + Q&A; match delivered with fair-play framing and inclusion roles. 7. Leave practical, reusable results for youth work beyond the exchange Co-create a simple toolkit (korfball-based games + mixed-gender exercises + dialogue formats + safety notes) and apply it locally. Indicators: • Toolkit completed and shared online in an easy-to-reuse format. • Within 90 days: ≥5 local follow-up activities (min. 1 per country) reaching ≥200 peers total. 8. Strengthen partner organisations’ capacity for future work Improve partners’ practice in trauma-aware facilitation, safeguarding routines, and sport-for-equality methodology. Indicators: • Each partner integrates at least 1 new written practice into regular work (e.g., opt-in/out rule set, safeguarding checklist, reflection tool). • At least 2 follow-up initiatives (local actions or new Erasmus+ concept) drafted using the tested method.