BEST PRACTICES: OTHER EUROPEAN PROJECTS
INTRODUCTION
Outdoor sports provide a unique environment for promoting social inclusion, especially for young people at risk of exclusion. In Europe, a variety of initiatives have been developed to integrate marginalized youth through participation in outdoor sports. These initiatives target youths from diverse backgrounds, including those facing social, economic, cultural, and educational challenges. This report offers a compendium of good practices from various European countries, showcasing how outdoor sports programs can foster inclusion, skill development, and social cohesion for atrisk youth.
These practices are intended to serve as inspiration for creating similar initiatives in the context of organisations working with young people and outdoor sports. The aim is not to present a detailed or uniform working methodology, but rather to present different approaches and activities in order to understand how different cultures and countries address the issueofyouthinclusion.
1. Partnerships and Community Collaboration: Sport dans la Ville (France)
One of the key success factors for outdoor sports inclusion programs is building strong partnerships between local authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), schools, and sports clubs. These collaborations ensure access to resources, professional expertise, and the infrastructure necessary to run effective programs.
Sport dans la Ville, a French initiative, focuses on youth from disadvantaged urban areas, offering them free access to sports facilities and programs. The organization collaborates with local governments and private partners, creating a strong community-based network that provides support to young people. They also integrate job readiness training and educational support into their sports programs, addressing multiple aspects of youth development.
2. Accessibility and Affordability:
The Wave Projet (UK)
For many at-risk youth, the cost of equipment and access to facilities can be a barrier to participation in outdoor sports. Programs that eliminate these costs, offer subsidies, or provide free access can significantly improve inclusion.
The Wave Project is a surf therapy program for vulnerable children and young people across the UK. The program offers surf sessions free of charge to participants, many of whom are referred by social services or mental health professionals. The initiative ensures that cost is not a barrier, offering free equipment and surf lessons, helping young people develop confidence and resilience through outdoor sports.
3. Focus on Personal and Social Development: Outdoor Leadership Programs by Outward Bound (Germany, Spain, UK)
Successful outdoor sports programs often prioritize personal and social development over competition. By focusing on building self-esteem, teamwork, and leadership skills, these initiatives provide young people with tools for overcoming life challenges.
Outward Bound operates across several European countries, providing outdoor leadership programs that emphasize personal growth, resilience, and teamwork. The programs involve wilderness expeditions and teambased challenges that foster cooperation and self-reliance. Many of their initiatives specifically target young people at risk of exclusion, such as youth from immigrant backgrounds or those facing mental health challenges.
4. Inclusivity and Diversity in Programming: "Move Together" (Netherlands)
Inclusive outdoor sports programs often tailor their offerings to meet the specific needs of diverse groups, including migrants, refugees, young people with disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Move Together is a program in the Netherlands that focuses on integrating young refugees into society through sports. The program offers a range of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and team sports, specifically adapted to include participants from different cultural backgrounds. These activities are designed not only to promote physical health but also to help young refugees build social connections and improve their language skills.
5. Mentorship and Role Models
StreetGames (UK)
Mentorship plays a critical role in outdoor sports programs for at-risk youth Positive role models—whether they be coaches, older peers, or community leaders can inspire participants and offer guidance that extends beyond the sporting field.
StreetGames is a national network that brings sports activities directly into underserved communities. The program employs local young people as mentors and coaches, offering training and employment opportunities. These mentors serve as positive role models for younger participants, many of whom are also from disadvantaged backgrounds. This peer mentorship model creates a sustainable cycle of inclusion, where past participants become future leaders.
6. Integration of Education and Outdoor Sports: Sports4Education (Italy)
Combining education with outdoor sports has proven to be an effective strategy for inclusion. Programs that integrate learning opportunities whether academic, vocational, or life skills—into outdoor sports activities provide a holistic approach to youth development.
Sports4Education is an Italian initiative that merges outdoor sports with education for young people who are at risk of dropping out of school. Activities such as rock climbing, cycling, and hiking are paired with tutoring and vocational training, helping students develop practical skills while staying engaged in education. This approach emphasizes both physical activity and long-term career development.
7. Psychological and Emotional Support: Surfing4Change (Portugal)
Many outdoor sports programs recognize the mental and emotional challenges faced by at-risk youth. Integrating psychological support into these programs—whether through sports psychologists, therapy sessions, or peer support can help young people manage anxiety, trauma, and other mental health issues.
Surfing4Change is a Portuguese program that uses surf therapy as a tool to support the mental health of young people at risk of exclusion. Working with trained counselors, the program combines the therapeutic effects of the ocean with psychological support, helping participants build emotional resilience and improve their self-esteem.
8. Long-term Engagement and Sustainability: Climbing Initiatives by City Climb (Austria)
Sustainable programs that offer long-term engagement tend to be more successful in fostering inclusion. Rather than short-term interventions, successful programs provide ongoing activities that keep participants engaged over extended periods, building stronger relationships and more lasting impacts.
City Climb in Austria offers long-term climbing programs for young people from marginalized communities, including migrants and children from lowincome families. Participants engage in year-round climbing activities, progressively building their skills over time. The program also offers leadership opportunities for older youth, encouraging them to stay involved and take on mentorship roles.
9. Accessible Mountain Experiences
Jagdkommando Mountain Program (Austria)
Many at-risk youths, especially those from urban or economically disadvantaged areas, have little to no access to mountain environments. Making these experiences accessible, either by providing transportation or offering free or low-cost programs, can open new horizons for these young people.
The Jagdkommando Mountain Program, run by an Austrian NGO in collaboration with local authorities, offers at-risk youth from inner-city environments an opportunity to explore mountain sports such as hiking, snowshoeing, and survival skills training. The program provides transportation, equipment, and guidance free of charge, ensuring that cost or geographic barriers do not prevent participation. The initiative encourages teamwork, environmental awareness, and personal growth, helping young people develop practical skills in a natural setting.
10. Empowering Youth through Leadership in Mountain Sports: Mountain Leaders for Change (France)
Mountain sports can be a powerful vehicle for leadership development. Programs that train young people to become leaders or guides in mountain activities can foster a sense of responsibility and purpose, empowering them to act as role models in their communities.
Mountain Leaders for Change is a French initiative that trains young people from marginalized communities to become certified mountain guides. This program not only introduces them to climbing, skiing, and mountaineering but also offers them professional training that can lead to employment in the outdoor tourism industry. Participants receive mentorship from experienced guides and instructors, creating a pathway from social exclusion to leadership roles within the community.
11. Healing through Nature and Adventure Therapy: Montagna Therapy (Italy)
The therapeutic potential of mountain sports is particularly well-suited to addressing the emotional and psychological needs of at-risk youth. Adventure therapy programs that incorporate mountain environments can help participants manage anxiety, trauma, and other mental health challenges.
Montagna Therapy is an Italian initiative based in the Dolomites, which combines adventure therapy with mountain sports such as hiking, rock climbing, and skiing. The program works with young people who have experienced trauma, homelessness, or mental health issues. By engaging in physically challenging yet achievable activities, participants gain confidence and a sense of mastery. The therapeutic approach is facilitated by trained counselors who help youth process their experiences in nature, making it a holistic program for emotional well-being.
12. Inclusivity in High-Altitude Experiences: Snowbound (Switzerland)
Mountain sports can often seem exclusive due to the need for specialized equipment and skills. Successful programs make these sports more inclusive by providing training, equipment, and ongoing support to at-risk youth who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in high-altitude sports like skiing or mountaineering.
Snowbound is a Swiss initiative designed to introduce young refugees and economically disadvantaged youth to alpine skiing. The program provides free skiing equipment, training sessions, and lift passes, ensuring that financial or social barriers do not prevent participation. Snowbound also emphasizes cultural integration by fostering interaction between local and refugee youth, using mountain sports as a medium to break down social barriers and build friendships.
13. Teamwork and Resilience through Mountaineering Challenges: Summit to Success (Spain)
Mountaineering and climbing require teamwork, problem-solving, and physical resilience. Programs that focus on these aspects help young people develop essential life skills while challenging them in demanding environments.
Summit to Success is a Spanish program that takes groups of at-risk youth on mountaineering expeditions in the Pyrenees. The program is designed to teach teamwork, perseverance, and resilience, with participants learning how to plan and execute difficult climbs under the guidance of experienced mountaineers. The challenging nature of mountaineering helps participants push beyond their perceived limits, gaining confidence and learning the value of collaboration. Many participants report significant improvements in their self-esteem and mental health after completing these expeditions.
14. Long-Term Engagement in Environmental Stewardship: Youth for Nature (Norway)
Mountain sports are often deeply connected to environmental conservation. Programs that combine outdoor activities with education on environmental stewardship can provide at-risk youth with a sense of purpose and belonging while fostering a connection to the natural world.
Youth for Nature is a Norwegian program that engages marginalized youth in both mountain sports and environmental conservation efforts. Participants take part in activities such as hiking, snowboarding, and rock climbing, but also receive education about conservation, sustainability, and the importance of preserving mountain ecosystems. The program encourages long-term involvement by offering participants the chance to become environmental ambassadors, spreading awareness about conservation in their communities while continuing to engage in mountain sports.
15. Focus on Intercultural Dialogue through Mountain Sports: Climb for Understanding (Germany)
Mountain sports provide an excellent setting for fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding, especially in regions with diverse populations. Programs that emphasize the cultural exchange and shared experiences of different groups through outdoor activities can promote social cohesion.
Climb for Understanding is a German initiative that brings together young people from migrant backgrounds and local youth to participate in rock climbing and bouldering activities in the Bavarian Alps. The program promotes teamwork and communication, using climbing as a metaphor for overcoming personal and societal barriers. Through shared challenges and mutual support, participants from diverse backgrounds learn to understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives, building social bridges in the process.
16. Adventure Programs for Skill-Building and Social Reintegration: Alpine Skills Academy (Austria)
Mountain sports programs can also serve as a vehicle for social reintegration, helping young people who have experienced social exclusion to re-enter society with new skills and renewed self-confidence.
The Alpine Skills Academy in Austria offers multi-week expeditions and skillbuilding courses in mountaineering, climbing, and wilderness survival, targeting young people who are disconnected from education or employment. Participants are given the chance to learn practical skills like navigation, first aid, and climbing techniques, as well as the opportunity to reflect on their personal growth and future goals. By the end of the program, many participants are equipped with both outdoor skills and the selfconfidence needed to reintegrate into society, whether through further education or employment.
CONCLUSION
Outdoor sports offer a powerful platform for inclusion, helping young people at risk of exclusion to overcome social, economic, and personal challenges. The initiatives highlighted in this report illustrate the diverse and innovative ways in which organizations across Europe are using outdoor sports to foster integration, build skills, and promote social cohesion.
By focusing on accessibility, collaboration, personal development, and long-term engagement, these programs provide at-risk youth with the tools they need to succeed—not only in sports but in life. As more organizations and governments recognize the value of such initiatives, the inclusion of young people through outdoor sports will continue to grow as avitalpartofsocialdevelopmentinEurope.