3.2. How to overcome these reasons

Project MOVE BEYOND No. ID 2019-1-NL01-KA204-060534

the overall well-being of young people and prevents the exclusion of young people in many different ways. Physical activity has a positive impact on adolescent health, life in general, management, concentration, and emotional and academic performance. Youth exclusion is the biggest risk factor for the failure of school and unemployment. Exercise and physical activity support are the most important means of preventing the exclusion of young people.

In a study done by Katja Rajala in 2021, it was found that there is a strong connection between self-perceived social status in school and physical activity. Those young people who viewed themselves with high social status and with a large circle of friends were much more active than those with a smaller circle of friends and low views on their social status. (Rajala,2021)

Low levels of physical activity are more common among marginalised young people. Although limited or non-existent exercising does not always lead to exclusion, it is a clear risk factor for exclusion. Increasing and supporting young people’s physical activity play an important role in preventing young people from being excluded.

3.2. How to overcome these reasons

In the previous chapter,we described the various reasons for lack of physical activity and some of the effects that are caused by it. In this chapter,we talk about the factors that can help marginalised young people overcome these obstacles. Most of this chapter references a master’ sthesis by Puck Schipper(2019).

The most important thing is to have fun. Often physical activity is related to competitiveness, which can lead to exclusion and feelings of inferiority. Reducing the competitive atmosphere and focusing on enjoyment isthe key method in helping young people to be physically active. This is especially important for those young people who have had prior negative experiences regarding sport.

The results of a study by PuckSchipper(2019)indicated that physical activities focusing on joy instead of performance and having the activity level adjusted to individuals could reduce barriers like insecurity, lack of skills, a particular impairment, and energy shortage. Activities in a sports-based programme should not be about achievement or performance, but about feeling better and enjoying yourself.

The role of the trainer cannotbe overstated in achieving a safe and positive atmosphere. A positive, supportive, and active relationship between the participant and the trainer is very important for youth engagement in activities.

The trainer can lower the barriers that prevent participating in aphysical activity. This can be done by guidance. The trainer can make people feel comfortable and safe, which, in turn, contributes to reducing personal barriers such as fear and insecurity, but also social barriers like interacting with others.

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Project MOVE BEYOND No. ID 2019-1-NL01-KA204-060534

A trainer can make vulnerable people feel at ease and make them feel safe by, amongst others, taking them seriously, talking and listening to them, and giving them confidence (which could reduce feelings of insecurity). Making people feel safe and at ease may also help them in interacting with others. It is important for the trainer to build a relationship of trust with the participants.

In addition to the role of the trainer, multiple psychological and social barriers could be reduced by a safe environment. A safe physical activity climate should be free of obligation and sanctions. It is important to ensure that participants can be themselves, everybody is equal, expectations are not too high, and people are not pushed into things they cannot do.

The environment can also be safe in a physical way. Often a quiet place reserved just for the participants can help to reduce personal barriers like shame and anxiety of being watched or being a centre of attention. Everyone should have an opportunity to express themselves freely without the fear of being judged. Ease of access also helps vulnerable young people in takingpart. And,as was mentioned in the previous chapter, the cost of many physical-related activities is high. Therefore, the cost of physical activity should be as low as possible, preferably free.

The physical environment also relates to the group in which the activity takes place. Besides the trainer, the other young people in the group should also do their part in creating and upholding a safe environment. Working together in the group helps to build the spirit of the group and getting support from their peers helps vulnerable young people tremendously.

It is important for young people to be a part of the planning for the physical activity sessions. The discussion should be based upon the general objective of the planned action. Itis also important to discuss who is taking part, where the activities will take place and what the activities will consist of.

In Schipper’ s study, fixed and small groups were found to be important in physicalactivity-based programmes to offer people safety and reduce barriers like anonymity, large and busysports context, anxiety, and difficulty making contact. The composition and size of a physical activity group havean influence on the sport participation of vulnerable people. In terms of composition, it was suggested to start with a fixed group of people (i.e. instead of a changing group) so the trainer can offer safety to the participants, which can reduce barrierslike anxiety and difficulty making contact.

The importance of mixed groups, i.e. a diverse group of people without labelled problems or disabilities,was also found to be effective. In this way, everyone can come into contact with each other.

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